Severe winter weather leaves 128,500 without power in Mississippi

An update posted on Facebook said approximately 128,500 customers are without power across Mississippi as utility crews work to restore service.

The Greenville Fire Department said 10 people were injured when a canopy above gas pumps collapsed and that the 10 were transported to hospitals with major and minor injuries. The update said that brings the statewide total of people injured in the storm to 13.

The update said 68 warming centers are open in 35 counties. It said the Mississippi Department of Transportation is making progress removing ice and snow from roads, particularly in North Mississippi and the Delta, and that the state remains in contact with local emergency managers while continuing to deploy resources.

The post said 40 counties have submitted 212 requests for assistance and that the state has requested additional supplies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA: 10 truckloads of water and two truckloads each of meals, blankets and cots. Twenty-six generators have been deployed for use at warming centers, water systems, a long-term care facility, personal care homes, a fueling station and two correctional facilities in Greenwood and Parchman. The update said three heaters were installed at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Ripley.

The Mississippi National Guard is flying commodities to affected areas, with a mission under way to Alcorn County, and is supporting ground delivery operations, the post said. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing tonight, and the update urged residents to stay off the roads. We will provide more information as it becomes available.