JACKSON — Mississippi officials say four additional deaths have been reported as a result of severe winter weather, bringing the statewide total to 14 fatalities.
The latest deaths were confirmed in Lafayette County, Panola County and Tippah County, where two fatalities were reported. State officials urged Mississippians to keep the affected families in their prayers as recovery efforts continue.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said damage assessments are ongoing, with reports indicating 223 homes, 10 businesses and seven farms have been damaged, destroyed or otherwise affected statewide. Officials also reported damage to public infrastructure, including 20 public roads with major damage, 50 with minor damage and 12 roads destroyed. Two bridges sustained minor damage. Officials cautioned that those numbers are expected to rise as assessments continue.
A total of 79 warming centers are currently open in 44 counties, while five shelters are operating across four counties.
Transportation officials said the Mississippi Department of Transportation continues clearing hazardous areas along major routes, including I-55, I-22, I-69, I-269, I-302, U.S. 72 and U.S. 61. Black ice and refreezing moisture following overnight subfreezing temperatures have created ongoing challenges. Portions of I-55 north are being reopened incrementally as conditions improve, and officials urged drivers to monitor MDOT and Department of Public Safety updates before traveling.
Emergency response efforts remain active across the state. MEMA continues to deploy personnel and resources, while the Mississippi State Department of Health has sent ambulances and medical personnel to Yalobusha and Tippah counties and is establishing a medical needs shelter in Lafayette County. Additional Mississippi Highway Patrol officers have been deployed to assist with emergency calls.
The Mississippi National Guard has delivered more than 70,000 pounds of supplies using Chinook helicopters and is mobilizing an additional 150 soldiers, bringing total Guard personnel involved in response efforts to 650. Guard units are assisting with road clearing, medical evacuations and patient transport across multiple counties.
Federal partners are also assisting. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has helped install generators at critical infrastructure sites, while FEMA is fulfilling requests for generators, bottled water, meals, cots, blankets, tarps and medical supplies. Starlink satellite units are also being deployed to support communication needs.
Power restoration efforts continue statewide, with approximately 98,850 outages remaining, down from a peak of about 180,000. Thousands of linemen are working to restore service as quickly as conditions allow.
Volunteer organizations and private businesses are coordinating with MEMA to support impacted communities. Officials reminded residents who wish to help to join verified organizations and avoid self-deploying to affected areas.
The National Weather Service is forecasting another round of extremely cold temperatures this weekend. Officials urged residents to remain cautious, check on neighbors and stay informed as recovery efforts continue.
