North Mississippi interstates shuttered as winter storm death toll rises to 10

Photo: Stranded semi-trailer trucks remain on I-22 at Victoria near Red Banks at 5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. (MDOT Traffic image)

JACKSON, Miss. — Governor Tate Reeves and state emergency officials issued a stark warning to motorists Wednesday: stay off the roads as North Mississippi remains gripped by a historic ice storm that has now claimed 10 lives across the state.

The crisis has led to the unprecedented decision to shutter major portions of I-55 and I-22, where thick sheets of ice have stranded hundreds of motorists and caused miles-long traffic jams.

Local Gridlock: I-55 and I-22 Standoff

Conditions in DeSoto, Tate, and Panola counties reached a breaking point Tuesday night. The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) reported working until 4 a.m. to rescue families from personal vehicles stuck on I-55.

“We couldn’t afford to have another night like we did last night,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell.

To prevent further life-threatening strandings, officials have implemented the following closures:

• I-55 Northbound: Traffic is being diverted at Batesville. Motorists are being told to turn around and head back south.
• I-22: All lanes of the interstate are closed between the Tennessee state line and the Red Banks exit in Marshall County.

National Guard wrecker crews from Camp McCain were deployed to I-55 to physically pull jackknifed semi-trucks and stranded cars from the ice. While crews made progress Wednesday using a “passable lane” strategy, officials warn that any melting will refreeze into “black ice” as temperatures drop into the low 20s tonight.

Rising Fatality Count

The human cost of the storm continues to climb. Governor Reeves confirmed that the statewide death toll has risen to 10, with the most recent tragedies occurring in nearby Tate County.

The three Tate County fatalities resulted from a house fire. Officials noted that during prolonged power outages—which currently affect over 100,000 Mississippians—residents often turn to space heaters or propane units, significantly increasing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Warning Against Price Gouging

As recovery efforts begin, reports of price gouging have surfaced, particularly regarding tree removal and emergency supplies. Governor Reeves reminded residents and businesses that price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency.

“There are always going to be shysters,” Reeves said. “If there is a legitimate instance where there is price gouging, I will personally encourage the Attorney General to prosecute it.”

Residents are encouraged to document and report any suspicious spikes in prices for essential services or goods.

Logistics and Response: “Life-Safety Mode”

The state has shifted into what MEMA Director Stephen McCraney calls “Life-Safety Mode.”

• National Guard: 500 soldiers are active, running commodity “log trains” of water, MREs, and blankets from Camp McCain.
• Power & Water: 60 generators are being prioritized for hospitals, nursing homes, and water treatment facilities.
• Warming Centers: 68 facilities are open across 35 counties to assist those without heat.

Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Executive Director Brad White defended the state’s pretreatment efforts, noting that while 200,000 gallons of brine were sprayed, the heavy rain preceding the freeze washed much of it away. “You cannot plow frozen ice,” White explained. “You have to have cooperation from temperatures.”