Mississippi winter storm death toll rises to 14 as state expands emergency response 

Photo: Gov. Tate Reeves (right) surveys the situation in Tippah County with law enforcement officials on Wednesday, Jan. 29. (Tate Reeves on X/Twitter)

JACKSON, Miss. — Governor Tate Reeves said Thursday that Mississippi continues to coordinate with local, state, federal, and private partners as the severe winter storm causes widespread damage and dangerous conditions across the state. Four additional deaths — in Lafayette, Panola, and Tippah counties — have increased the statewide total to 14. 

MEMA reports 223 homes, 10 businesses, and seven farms damaged or destroyed. Public infrastructure assessments show 20 roads with major damage, 50 with minor damage, and 12 destroyed, along with minor damage to two bridges. Officials expect those numbers to rise. 

Seventy‑nine warming centers are open in 44 counties, and five shelters are operating in four counties. 

MDOT crews continue clearing icy trouble spots on major highways, including I‑55, I‑22, I‑69, I‑269, I‑302, U.S. 72, and U.S. 61. Portions of I‑55 north are reopening in stages as conditions improve. DPS urges residents to monitor official alerts for updated road information. 

The Mississippi State Department of Health has deployed ambulances and personnel to Yalobusha and Tippah counties and is opening a Medical Needs Shelter in Lafayette County. DPS has added extra Highway Patrol officers to assist with emergency calls. 

The Mississippi National Guard has increased its deployment to 650 soldiers, supporting road clearing and delivering supplies. Chinook helicopters have transported more than 70,000 pounds of food, water, blankets, and cots. A Blackhawk helicopter also transported two patients from Oxford to Memphis for medical care. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has installed 45 generators at critical sites. FEMA is supplying generators, meals, water, blankets, tarps, oxygen cylinders, and satellite equipment. 

Roughly 98,850 power outages remain statewide. Volunteer groups including Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief, 8 Days of Hope, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Cajun Navy are assisting affected communities. 

Officials urge residents not to self‑deploy and to prepare for another weekend of extreme cold.  

Mississippi winter storm, Tate Reeves update, MEMA damage assessment, power outages Mississippi, National Guard response, MDOT road conditions, FEMA assistance