The state of Mississippi continues its response to severe winter weather, with officials reporting two additional deaths in Panola County. This brings the total number of fatalities statewide to 23. Governor Tate Reeves stated that the main priorities remain life safety and restoring utilities.
According to state authorities, 41 counties have submitted a combined 662 requests for emergency supplies such as meals, water, cots, blankets, and generators. The state has distributed nearly 276,000 bottles of water, over 93,000 meals, more than 4,700 blankets, close to 2,000 cots, and more than 4,300 tarps to affected areas.
Efforts are ongoing to restore power after widespread outages. Thousands of linemen from across the country are working in Mississippi. The number of power outages has decreased from about 180,000 at its peak to approximately 55,800 currently. Fifty-three generators have been installed at critical infrastructure sites; three were sent specifically to support the Burnsville water system in Tishomingo County. As electricity is restored in some locations, generators are being moved to other areas where they are needed.
Temperatures remain below freezing in much of Mississippi, especially in the northern part of the state. Currently there are 93 warming centers and shelters open across 51 counties serving around 1,220 people. Residents without heat are encouraged to use these facilities. For updated information on shelter locations and donation opportunities related to the ongoing response efforts, individuals can visit January 2026 Winter Weather | Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
The Mississippi State Department of Health is operating two medical needs shelters and treating 24 residents. They continue refilling oxygen cylinders and have deployed nurse strike teams for additional support.
Transportation updates include the reopening of both northbound and southbound lanes on I-55 at exit 233/Pope Rd. in Yalobusha County after utility crews repaired power lines during brief traffic stops.
Multiple agencies are assisting with recovery operations: The Mississippi National Guard is helping with road clearances and distributing goods; the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is conducting welfare checks in Alcorn and Tippah Counties; while the Forestry Commission has deployed a team for debris removal in Tippah County.
Nonprofit organizations play a significant role as well. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army operate shelters; Eight Days of Hope provides meals and helps with cleanup; MS Baptist relief offers tree cutting and roof tarping assistance; Baby2Baby has donated essential baby supplies; God’s Pit Crew delivers generators and clears debris; Operation BBQ Relief, Mercy Chefs, and World Central Kitchen provide food aid.
Governor Reeves urged volunteers wishing to help not to self-deploy but instead join established organizations or nonprofits involved in disaster response efforts.
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