January 2026 Winter Weather
Disaster Declaration & Recovery Resources
State of Emergency
Governor Reeves has declared a State of Emergency for the January 2026 Winter Weather Event. View the official proclamations and executive orders below.
MS Department of Health
MSDH has issued public health guidance for cold weather safety, carbon monoxide prevention, and food safety during power outages.
Property Tax Payment Extension - March 3
Governor Tate Reeves signed a proclamation that extends the deadline for Mississippians in the 49 impacted counties to submit ad valorem taxes to county tax collectors and delays fines for not submitting them.
Note: There is an automatic 14-day grace period for Car Tags.
▶ View 49 Impacted Counties
The following 49 counties are included in the State of Emergency declaration for the January 2026 Winter Weather Event:
Report Damage
Help MEMA assess the impact of this disaster by reporting damage to your property. Your report helps determine eligibility for federal assistance.
Document Damage
Take photos and videos before cleanup
Keep Receipts
Save all emergency expense receipts
Submit Report
Complete the online damage report form
You can also report damage by calling MEMA at 1-800-222-MEMA (6362).
Latest News Updates
Stay informed with the latest updates from MEMA. Follow us on social media for real-time information.
PRESS RELEASE Governor's Office | Jan 31, 2026
Category B: Emergency Protective Measures
Eligible Cost Categories
Generators & Temporary Power
Deployment of large-scale generators to hospitals, nursing homes, water systems, emergency shelters, and other critical facilities.
Emergency Debris Clearance
Clearing downed trees and debris so emergency vehicles and utility crews can access roads.
Emergency Shelter Operations
Food, water, hygiene supplies, cots, blankets, and shelter equipment.
Law Enforcement & Public Safety
Traffic control, security at shelters and critical infrastructure.
EOC Activation
Staffing and running county Emergency Operations Centers.
Emergency Logistics & Distribution
Distribution of life-sustaining supplies such as meals, water, blankets.
Counties: Work Through MEMA's Public Assistance Channels Immediately
Since MEMA is the pass-through agency, counties should act as soon as possible.
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Notify MEMA of damages and emergency actions
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Submit cost documentation (overtime, debris clearance, generators, etc.)
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Provide equipment usage logs, invoices, and mission numbers
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Coordinate with MEMA for site inspections and validation
Resources Already Deployed by FEMA
Before even issuing the funding, FEMA had already deployed critical resources.
90+ large-scale generators
Meals, water, blankets, cots
U.S. Forest Service crews
Keep a Log of All Requests to MEMA
Because MEMA is the pass-through agency, proper documentation is critical for reimbursement:
Document emails
Document resource requests
Note MEMA mission numbers
Capture delivery and usage of FEMA-provided resources
Emergency Declaration for Federal Assistance
Federal Emergency Declaration APPROVED
FEMA has approved the State of Mississippi's request for a federal emergency declaration (FEMA-3640-EM-MS).
What Federal Assistance Means for You
- → Direct Federal Assistance: Debris removal, emergency protective measures
- → Public Assistance: Funding for infrastructure repair and emergency response costs
- → Hazard Mitigation: Assistance to reduce future disaster risks statewide
County Activity
Check with your local emergency management agency or county officials for specific updates, road closures, and available resources in your area. Local conditions and available services may vary by county.
Warming centers and emergency shelters are available throughout affected areas. These locations provide a safe, warm place to stay during extreme cold weather conditions.
Find a Shelter Near You
Text for shelter locations:
Text SHELTER to 43362
Download the Red Cross App:
What to Bring to a Shelter
- ✓ Photo ID and important documents
- ✓ Prescription medications and medical supplies
- ✓ Blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags
- ✓ Phone and charger
- ✓ Change of clothes and personal hygiene items
- ✓ Pet supplies (food, leash, carrier)
- ✓ Snacks and bottled water
- ✓ Activities for children (books, games)
Traffic Conditions
Travel Advisory in Effect
Avoid unnecessary travel. Many roads remain hazardous due to ice and refreezing conditions.
Warming Shelters
View All Shelters & Safe Rooms →
Alcorn County 1 location
Alcorn County Emergency Management
2015 S Harper Rd, Corinth, MS 38834
24/7 during emergency
Food Distribution Available
Main distribution point for water and supplies
Lafayette County 1 location
Lafayette County Multi-Purpose Arena
281 County Road 110, Oxford, MS 38655
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Food Distribution Available
Primary warming center with hot meals served at 12 PM and 6 PM
Pontotoc County 1 location
Pontotoc Civic Center
Tippah County 1 location
Ripley National Guard Armory
400 Industrial Dr, Ripley, MS 38663
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Food Distribution Available
Main shelter and distribution site
Ways to Donate
Your donations help families affected by the winter weather event. Below are official donation drop-off locations.
Mississippi State Fairgrounds Armory
Accepted items:
Salvation Army - Jackson
Accepted items:
How to Get Help
Distribution sites have been established in affected counties. Contact your local emergency management office for the nearest location.
Alcorn County 1 site
Alcorn County Emergency Management
Lafayette County 1 site
Lafayette County Multi-Purpose Arena
Panola County 1 site
Panola County Emergency Management
Tippah County 1 site
Ripley National Guard Armory
Check with local city and county officials for the latest on distribution sites. More Info
Winter Weather Prep Tips
❄ Safety Tips
- ✓ Stay indoors and limit exposure to cold
- ✓ Keep faucets dripping to prevent frozen pipes
- ✓ Never use a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors
- ✓ Dress in layers if you must go outside
- ✓ Check on elderly neighbors and family members
- ✓ Keep emergency supplies stocked
Power Outage Information
Power restoration efforts are ongoing. Check with your utility provider for estimated restoration times.
⚠ Generator Safety Tips
- ✓ Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces
- ✓ Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home
- ✓ Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors
- ✓ Do not connect generators directly to home wiring
- ✓ Store fuel safely away from living areas