Winter storm impacting 47 counties; thousands without power

JACKSON, Miss. – Gov. Tate Reeves joined state emergency officials Sunday afternoon to provide a briefing on a severe winter storm that has left approximately 180,000 Mississippians without power and blanketed nearly half the state in dangerous ice.

Reeves confirmed that 47 counties are currently impacted, with 37 of those—including DeSoto County—reporting significant ice accumulation on roads and bridges. While the heaviest precipitation has moved out of the state, record-breaking low temperatures are expected to cause widespread refreezing through Tuesday.

“Things are going to get worse before they get better,” Reeves warned. “The slush on the roads today will turn back into ice tonight. If you do not have to be on the roads, please stay off of them.”

State and Federal Response

Following a federal emergency declaration signed by President Trump, Mississippi has requested critical resources from FEMA, including 30 industrial-grade generators, truckloads of water, MREs, cots, and blankets.

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Stephen McCraney clarified that FEMA generators are being prioritized for life-safety infrastructure rather than individual residences.

“These are going to nursing homes, lift stations to keep sewage running, and rural water associations,” McCraney said. He also noted that specialized teams from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are being deployed to ensure generators are safely grounded and integrated into local grids.

Infrastructure and Road Safety

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) began pre-treating highways as early as Wednesday. Director Brad White reported that crews have utilized over 200,000 gallons of brine, along with extensive amounts of salt and sand, to combat the conditions.

“We can sum up our road conditions in one word: Nope,” White said, urging residents to remain at home. He noted that while interstates remain “passable,” they are not necessarily safe. This is particularly true in DeSoto County and the rest of North Mississippi, where downed trees and power lines remain constant hazards.

Focus on Vulnerable Facilities

State officials confirmed that the Delta Correctional Facility and the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman both experienced power failures. MEMA has pre-staged generators at these locations to restore heat and food service for inmates.

Currently, 58 warming shelters are open across the state. In DeSoto County, local officials have already opened facilities including the Southaven Community Safe Room and centers in Olive Branch and Hernando to assist those without power.

The Governor concluded by comparing the magnitude of this ice event to the historic 1994 storm, noting that the state is prepared for a multi-day recovery effort.