The Mississippi congressional delegation has expressed strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration following the impact of Winter Storm Fern, which affected the state from January 23 to January 27, 2026.
U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, along with U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, Michael Guest, and Mike Ezell, sent a letter to President Trump urging him to approve an expedited major disaster declaration. The request covers 36 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians for individual federal assistance and disaster unemployment benefits. It also seeks public assistance for local governments in 38 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, including help with debris removal.
In their letter, the lawmakers stated: “We are grieved that preliminary reports indicate that 26 lives have been lost in our state. Nearly 200,000 homes lost power, and many residents remain without electricity. Initial damage assessments point to widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and community facilities.”
The request follows a preliminary disaster assessment outlining both loss of life and significant property damage across affected communities.
The lawmakers continued: “State and local resources, along with those of volunteer organizations, are insufficient to meet Mississippi’s recovery needs. Strong federal support and coordination will be essential to help communities recover and rebuild.”
The full letter reads:
“Dear President Trump,
In the aftermath of the devastation caused by Winter Storm Fern and its significant impact on the State of Mississippi, we respectfully encourage your full consideration of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration. We are grateful for the continued support provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to this and prior disasters, and we look forward to the agency’s timely assistance as state and local officials work diligently to assess and respond to the full scope of the damage.
From January 23 through January 27, 2026, dozens of Mississippi counties experienced extreme weather conditions as a result of Winter Storm Fern. We are grieved that preliminary reports indicate that 26 lives have been lost in our state. Nearly 200,000 homes lost power, and many residents remain without electricity. Initial damage assessments point to widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and community facilities.
The requested major disaster declaration includes a request for individual assistance for 36 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, as well as disaster unemployment. Additionally, it contains a request for public assistance to help local governments in 38 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, particularly with debris removal.
State and local resources, along with those of volunteer organizations, are insufficient to meet Mississippi’s recovery needs. Strong federal support and coordination will be essential to help communities recover and rebuild. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should additional information be needed.”
Senator Roger Wicker is one of those leading this effort; he represents Mississippi in Congress according to his official website. In addition to his legislative work on behalf of his state during disasters like Winter Storm Fern’s aftermath,Wicker serves as chairmanof the Senate Armed Services Committee.He also co-foundedthe Senate Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Caucus.Wicker authoredthe SHIPS Act supporting U.S. naval capabilities.He sits onthe Congressional Board of Visitors for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.Wicker has received recognitionfrom national organizations such as the National Association of Manufacturers for his policy efforts.
