Mississippi Forestry Commission Supports Winter Storm Recovery

Damage assessments underway as state works to restore power and water to hard-hit areas

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The Mississippi Forestry Commission is providing support and resources to communities impacted by a severe winter storm that has left thousands without power and running water for nearly a week. FEMA has distributed 90 generators across the state to help critical facilities like fire departments, hospitals, and long-term care homes. Power crews from neighboring states have arrived to assist with repairing downed power lines, but some rural customers may be without electricity for up to another week.

Why it matters

This winter storm has caused widespread damage and disruption across Mississippi, underscoring the state's vulnerability to extreme weather events. The recovery efforts highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and coordination between state, local, and federal agencies to support communities in crisis.

The details

The ice storm, described as the worst in over 30 years, has left significant tree and power line damage across the state. Gravestown's fire chief said the generator provided by FEMA will be crucial for his department to respond to emergencies and provide shelter for residents. In Oxford, the CEO of the Northeast Mississippi Power Association said the ice accumulation was overwhelming, with trees and poles collapsing under the weight. The city has turned off water in some neighborhoods to ensure the hospital has adequate supply, and the National Guard has arrived to help distribute emergency supplies.

  • The winter storm hit Mississippi last weekend.
  • FEMA has distributed 90 generators to the state since last weekend.
  • Power is expected to be restored to most customers within the next 3 days, but some rural areas may be without electricity for up to a week.
  • Another round of severe cold temperatures is expected this weekend for the East Coast.

The players

Gravestown Fire Department

The volunteer fire department in the small northern Mississippi community of Gravestown, which has been without power and running water for five days following the ice storm.

Kenny Childs

The fire chief of the Gravestown Fire Department.

Northeast Mississippi Power Association

The electric utility serving the Oxford, Mississippi area, which has experienced widespread power outages due to the storm.

Keith Hayward

The CEO of the Northeast Mississippi Power Association.

Jerrica Pryor

A teacher at a local middle school in Oxford, Mississippi who has been living without power and running water since the storm.

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What they’re saying

“We're very grateful for them. We had no water, no power, no nothing. So, you know, it is great.”

— Kenny Childs, Fire Chief, Gravestown Fire Department (CBS News)

“It's amazing. Actually, you see the smile on people's faces when you actually bring power to them, and they get hot water again and able to take showers. Just a cozy feeling on the inside.”

— Kenny Jones, Senior Electrician (CBS News)

“We believe we had an inch-and-a-quarter (of) ice over most of our system, which is basically a record for anything around this area. We've had tree damage that is unbelievable… and by the time the ice loading gets to that kind of loading, with an inch of ice on either side, those poles are holding up nearly 10,000 pounds of extra weight. And, so, you can just imagine when a tree falls and they have that extra weight, what it does to the power systems.”

— Keith Hayward, CEO, Northeast Mississippi Power Association (CBS News)

“It has been difficult. Lots of blankets, lots and lots of blankets.”

— Jerrica Pryor, Teacher (CBS News)

“It's going to be a long road to recovery. It's hard to even get our minds to that right now when we still have people without power and without water.”

— Robyn Tannehill, Mayor of Oxford, Mississippi (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This winter storm has highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and coordination between state, local, and federal agencies to support communities in crisis. The recovery efforts will be a long process, but the distribution of generators and emergency supplies is providing crucial assistance to those impacted.