Jackson, Mississippi — Governor Tate Reeves announced that the state is working with various partners to respond to ongoing severe winter weather. Two additional deaths were reported, bringing the statewide total to 16, according to Reeves, who emphasized that life safety remains the top priority.
Thousands of power linemen from across the country are still working to restore electricity, reducing outages from about 180,000 to roughly 74,000. During the efforts, two linemen were injured in Alcorn County. Damage assessments from 51 counties indicate that 251 homes, 22 businesses, and nine farms have been affected. Additionally, 20 public roads have sustained major damage, while 62 roads have minor damage, though these numbers are subject to change as assessments continue.
Temperatures are expected to plummet again this weekend, with lows below freezing and wind chills near or below zero. Reeves announced the extension of the Mississippi National Guard’s activation through Feb. 11, with 650 soldiers providing logistical support. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Special Operations Group will remain on call through at least Feb. 4, 2026, to assist motorists and transport vulnerable populations to warming centers. Currently, 79 warming centers are open across 44 counties.
The state is also preparing to address potential water system issues caused by the cold. MEMA has water supplies ready for delivery, and the Mississippi State Department of Health is monitoring water systems throughout the weekend. Communities experiencing water problems are advised to contact local emergency managers for assistance.
State transportation officials have reopened I-55 and I-22, and all state-maintained roads are open. However, below-freezing conditions may make driving hazardous. MDOT continues winter treatments on roads and urges drivers to exercise caution and monitor updates from transportation and safety agencies.
Mississippi has deployed resources to impacted areas, responding to 412 requests from 41 counties. Yesterday, supplies including bottled water, meals, tarps, blankets, and cots were delivered by helicopters and ground crews. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is installing 49 generators at critical infrastructure sites. Reeves also signed a proclamation extending the deadline for property tax payments in affected counties to March 3, 2026, including recently reported damages in Lee and Issaquena counties.
While significant progress has been made, Reeves emphasized that the state’s response continues until all work is completed, ensuring recovery efforts keep moving forward.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
