Winter storm knocks out power to nearly 150,000 in Mississippi

Nearly 150,000 residents in Mississippi are without power as a severe winter storm brings freezing temperatures, ice accumulation and falling trees, state officials said in a Facebook post.

Officials said Tippah Electric Power Association reported catastrophic damage to one of the Tennessee Valley Authority distribution lines, a problem that could prolong restorations. The state said it is coordinating with Tippah EPA and TVA, and that utility crews are working as quickly as conditions allow.

Road conditions, downed trees and other weather hazards are hampering access to northern parts of the state, the post said. The Mississippi Public Service Commission is assessing restoration timelines, and officials urged residents to stay away from downed power lines and to check on friends, family and neighbors.

The state said 58 warming shelters are open and that it will distribute more than 76,600 bottles of water and more than 60,000 meals ready to eat as soon as roads permit. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to bring in 30 additional generators for health-care facilities and has activated an Emergency Standby Generator Services contract.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation continues treating highways but warned that roadways remain dangerous and urged people to stay off roads if possible. Officials asked residents to pray for utility crews working in hazardous conditions and said saving lives remains the top priority. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.