Second storm-related death reported in DeSoto County

Key Points

• Statewide Death Toll: The total number of fatalities linked to the severe winter weather has climbed to 29 following a newly reported death in DeSoto County.
• Critical Aid Distribution: MEMA has fulfilled over 870 requests for commodities, delivering more than 1.6 million bottles of water and 395,000 meals to 41 counties.
• Ongoing Utility Struggle: Thousands of residents remain without electricity as linemen and the National Guard work to restore power and move heavy-duty generators to critical infrastructure.

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JACKSON, Miss. — The human cost of the relentless winter weather gripping the Magnolia State continued to rise Friday as the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) confirmed a second storm-related death in DeSoto County.

The latest fatality brings the statewide death toll to 29 as Mississippi enters its second week of recovery following the catastrophic impacts of the January 2026 winter weather event. While local authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased or the specific circumstances of the passing, the loss underscores the lingering danger posed by subfreezing temperatures and crippled infrastructure.

“Sadly, another death has been reported in DeSoto County,” MEMA officials stated in a Friday update. The county previously reported its first storm-related death earlier this week, as the state’s northern tier bore the brunt of the historic ice and snow accumulation.

A Massive Logistical Lift

MEMA, alongside the Mississippi National Guard and federal partners, has launched a massive logistics operation to sustain tens of thousands of residents still reeling from the storm. To date, 41 counties have filed 878 formal requests for emergency commodities.

The scale of the relief effort is unprecedented for a winter event in the region. According to MEMA, the state has already distributed:

• 1,602,862 bottles of water
• 395,198 meals
• 16,304 blankets
• 3,424 cots
• 6,440 tarps

Additionally, 17 shower trailers and six laundry units have been deployed to the hardest-hit areas to provide basic hygiene services for those whose homes remain without running water or electricity.

Shelter and Power Restoration

While utility crews have successfully restored power to tens of thousands of customers since the peak of the outages, thousands of Mississippians are still in the dark. The Mississippi National Guard is currently embedded with local teams to assist in refueling missions and the movement of industrial-grade generators to water treatment plants and emergency facilities.

The Mississippi State Department of Health continues to operate two specialized medical needs shelters in Lafayette and Panola counties to care for vulnerable residents dependent on electricity for medical equipment.

State officials are urging those who wish to help to coordinate through established nonprofit organizations. “The state of Mississippi welcomes all volunteers who want to help; however, we encourage individuals to join a verified organization or nonprofit,” MEMA officials noted, emphasizing the importance of an organized response in disaster zones.

Residents with immediate unmet needs are encouraged to contact their local county emergency management office or visit the official MEMA website for a list of active warming centers and distribution sites.