Mississippi officials have requested a federal disaster declaration following tornadoes and severe weather that struck the state on May 6 and 7. All six members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation signed a letter urging President Donald Trump to approve the declaration, which would provide aid for recovery efforts.
Gov. Tate Reeves submitted the request Tuesday, seeking individual and public assistance for Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln and Wilkinson counties. The storms included at least seven tornadoes that damaged 425 homes, injured 26 people, and destroyed 88 homes. An additional 112 homes sustained major damage, according to the governor’s office.
U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, along with Reps. Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, Michael Guest and Mike Ezell, authored the letter sent Wednesday. They described an EF3 tornado that at times exceeded a mile in width and remained on the ground for nearly 70 miles, causing catastrophic damage. The storm event also included straight-line winds, hail and flash flooding, the letter said.
This is the second disaster aid request Mississippi has made in 2026. The state previously sought assistance for Winter Storm Fern in January. The Trump administration approved public assistance in February and individual aid in April.
The letter emphasized the ongoing recovery challenges, citing the strain on state and local resources and the insufficiency of volunteer efforts alone. It noted that long-term recovery will require federal support.
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
