Mississippi reports three additional deaths amid severe winter storm
Mississippi has confirmed three additional deaths linked to the ongoing winter storm, bringing the total number of fatalities in the state to 10, according to state officials. The latest fatalities occurred in Adams, Jefferson, and Warren counties.
Damage assessments continue across the state, with Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reporting 208 homes, five businesses, and seven farms damaged or destroyed. Additionally, 20 public roads have sustained major damage, with 12 roads completely destroyed. These numbers are expected to rise as evaluations proceed.
The Mississippi National Guard has deployed 500 soldiers to assist with logistical support and debris clearance, along with aviation units to facilitate the movement of personnel and equipment. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping install generators for affected areas.
Ice remains on roads and bridges in 23 counties, complicating recovery efforts. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has mobilized nearly 600 maintenance workers, salt trucks, and snowplows from across the state to clear major highways, focusing on interstates I-55 and I-22. MDOT has deployed over 120 snowplows in northern Mississippi and the Delta to clear more than 15,000 lane miles and 3,000 bridges.
Due to traffic slowdowns and safety concerns, MDOT and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety have temporarily closed northbound I-55 from Batesville to Senatobia and all lanes of I-22 from the Tennessee border to Red Banks. Additional closures may be announced as crews continue efforts to reopen these routes. Drivers are advised to avoid interstate travel unless necessary.
The Mississippi Department of Health is establishing a Medical Needs Shelter and deploying a Shelter Strike Team with supplies. Three ambulances and six personnel are also being sent to Yalobusha County to provide emergency medical services.
Power outages remain a concern, with approximately 106,100 customers still affected statewide, down from a peak of 180,000. MEMA continues to distribute generators, fuel, tarps, meals, water, cots, and blankets to affected counties. FEMA has provided additional resources, including 90 generators, 128,000 bottles of water, 107,520 meals, 2,178 cots, 9,000 blankets, and 3,360 tarps.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced that SNAP recipients who experienced power outages longer than four hours due to the storm can apply for replacement benefits before the February 3, 2026, deadline. Officials urge residents to check on family, friends, and neighbors as recovery efforts continue.
State officials acknowledge progress but emphasize that more work remains. Authorities continue to urge residents to stay safe and pray for the state’s recovery.
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