North Mississippi is experiencing severe winter weather, including freezing temperatures and freezing precipitation, state officials said. The Mississippi Department of Transportation reported icy roads and bridges in 25 northern counties and urged motorists to avoid travel if possible.
MDOT said crews will continue treating highways but warned conditions are expected to worsen. “If at all possible, please stay off the roads,” state officials said in a social media update.
The State of Mississippi said it remains in contact with local emergency managers across the state and will continue deploying resources to counties that request assistance. So far, 32 counties have submitted a total of 87 requests for state aid, the state said.
Approximately 1,100 people are without power due to the storm, a number officials expect to rise as the system progresses. Utility providers are working to restore service as quickly as possible. More than 40 warming shelters are open or scheduled to open across the state; officials directed residents to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website for locations and updates: https://www.msema.org/get-assistance/disaster-resources/disasters/january-2026-winter-weather.
The state of emergency will remain in effect at least through Jan. 27, and officials asked residents to monitor weather forecasts throughout the weekend. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
