Mississippi Governor signed Executive Order 1593, activating the Mississippi National Guard to support recovery efforts amid severe winter weather. The initial deployment includes 500 Guardsmen, with the possibility of increasing as needed, according to state officials.
The state reports significant damage: 14 residences with major damage, three with minor damage, and one business with major damage. Public infrastructure also suffered, with 20 roads sustaining major damage. Requests for assistance have been submitted from 33 counties, totaling 136 requests so far.
To aid affected residents, Mississippi is distributing oxygen cylinders, generators, bottled water, MREs, cots, blankets, and tarps. About 147,000 residents remain without power. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has secured an additional 30 generators, which will be deployed to healthcare facilities, nursing homes, warming centers, and rural water systems.
Utility crews face ongoing challenges due to weather and road conditions, especially in northern and rural areas. Power restoration is expected to take time, with utility companies working tirelessly to restore services. The Mississippi Department of Transportation urges residents to stay off icy roads, which will remain hazardous until temperatures rise above freezing and sunlight thaws the ice.
Currently, 61 warming centers are open across 30 counties. Residents are encouraged to check the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s website for the latest information on warming centers. Officials ask the public to continue checking on neighbors and loved ones and to keep Mississippi in their thoughts during this recovery period.
