Mississippi has confirmed five additional deaths related to the ongoing winter storm, according to state officials. The fatalities occurred in Yazoo, Lafayette, Benton, and Panola counties, with two deaths reported in Panola County, the Mississippi Department of Health said.
Power restoration efforts are progressing, with about 61,100 outages remaining, down from a peak of approximately 180,000. The state has received 571 requests for assistance from 41 counties. State agencies continue deploying personnel and resources to impacted areas, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation is performing winter weather treatments on state-maintained roads. Motorists can check live road conditions via the MDOT Traffic app or at mdottraffic.com.
Dangerously cold temperatures persist across Mississippi and are expected to last through the weekend. Currently, 84 warming centers and shelters are open across 49 counties, serving around 1,200 residents. Medical shelters in Lafayette and Alcorn counties are caring for 26 patients. Residents without heat are encouraged to visit the nearest warming centers or shelters, with a full list available on the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s website.
The Mississippi National Guard has extended its deployment by seven days. About 650 soldiers are assisting with civilian support, route clearance, drone operations, and water assistance in several counties, including Tippah, Lafayette, Alcorn, Panola, Tate, and Union. Multiple state agencies are also involved in response efforts, deploying teams to clear debris, conduct welfare checks, and provide medical services.
Volunteer organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Cajun Navy, and others, are aiding in relief efforts. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency encourages organizations interested in assisting to visit its website for more information. Officials emphasize appreciation for the volunteers stepping up to help the state recover from this severe winter weather.
