Written by Therese Apel with Darkhorse Press
JACKSON — Two additional deaths in Panola County have raised Mississippi’s winter storm death toll to 23 as state and local agencies continue widespread recovery efforts, Gov. Tate Reeves’ office announced.
State officials said life safety and restoration of utilities remain the top priorities as crews work to assist communities still struggling with freezing temperatures and lingering power outages.
So far, 41 counties have submitted 662 requests for emergency supplies, including meals, water, cots, blankets and generators. According to the governor’s office, the state has distributed 275,832 bottles of water, 93,412 meals, 4,739 blankets, 1,990 cots and 4,322 tarps to impacted areas.
Progress is being made in restoring electricity. Power outages have dropped to about 55,800 statewide, down from a peak of roughly 180,000. Thousands of utility workers from across the country are assisting with repairs.
Fifty-three generators are currently installed at critical infrastructure sites, including three sent to the Burnsville water system in Tishomingo County. As service is restored, some generators are being moved to other locations where they are still needed.
With temperatures remaining below freezing in much of the state, particularly in north Mississippi, 93 warming centers and shelters are operating in 51 counties and serving approximately 1,220 people. State officials urged residents without heat to take advantage of the shelters.
The Mississippi State Department of Health continues to operate two medical needs shelters, caring for 24 residents. The agency is also refilling oxygen cylinders and has deployed nurse strike teams to assist vulnerable populations.
Transportation conditions are improving as well. The Mississippi Department of Transportation reported that both northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 55 at exit 233 in Yalobusha County have reopened after temporary closures to allow utility crews to repair power lines.
Numerous state agencies are assisting with recovery operations. The Mississippi National Guard is helping with road clearing, refueling missions, distribution of supplies and welfare checks. The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is assisting with emergency calls in Alcorn and Tippah counties, and the Mississippi Forestry Commission has deployed crews to help remove debris in Tippah County.
Nonprofit and faith-based organizations are also playing a major role in relief efforts. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army are operating shelters, while groups such as Eight Days of Hope, God’s Pit Crew, Operation BBQ Relief, Mercy Chefs and World Central Kitchen are providing meals and cleanup assistance.
State officials welcomed volunteers but cautioned against self-deploying to affected areas. Those wishing to help are encouraged to work through established organizations.
Information on warming centers and ways to donate can be found on the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s winter weather response website.