FEMA Disaster Assistance Approved for DeSoto County After January Winter Storm

Residents in DeSoto County are now eligible for federal disaster assistance following approval of Mississippi’s request for Individual Assistance tied to the late January winter storm.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced that Donald Trump approved the declaration under FEMA-4899-DR-MS, making aid available to individuals impacted by severe winter weather from January 23–27.

DeSoto County, one of Mississippi’s fastest-growing and most populous counties, sits along the Tennessee border and is part of the greater Memphis metro area. With major corridors like Interstate 55 and U.S. Highway 78 running through the county, the region plays a critical role in transportation and commerce in North Mississippi. During the January storm, the area experienced hazardous road conditions, widespread ice accumulation, and power outages that impacted homes, businesses, and daily travel.

The county is among 36 counties statewide — along with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians — approved for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Individual Assistance program provides financial support to residents recovering from storm-related damage. Eligible aid can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs designed to help both individuals and business owners rebuild.

DeSoto County residents who sustained damage or losses during the winter weather event are encouraged to apply. Assistance applications can be completed online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585. Applicants should reference disaster number DR-4899 when registering.

Officials say the federal assistance will be an important step in helping DeSoto County recover from the storm’s impacts and restore normal operations across the region.