Mississippi Gov. Reeves requests major disaster declaration

Gov. Tate Reeves on Wednesday requested a Major Disaster Declaration for multiple counties hit by severe winter storms that swept across Mississippi Jan. 23-27, 2026, Reeves said in a Facebook post.

The request seeks individual assistance, disaster unemployment and public assistance to help local governments with needs such as debris removal, Reeves said. The governor’s office said the state has been working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, state agencies and local governments to assess damage and ensure the request meets required federal thresholds.

Reeves called the request another step in helping Mississippians recover from what his office described as a historic winter storm and said the state will continue to use every tool at its disposal to assist residents and communities.

He warned that as additional damage is discovered, reported and validated, the request may be amended to add counties for individual or public assistance. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.