Mississippians Near Two Weeks Without Power After Winter Storm

Nearly 20,000 customers remain without power in northern Mississippi as recovery efforts continue.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A severe ice storm in late January left nearly 180,000 homes and businesses in Mississippi without power, with some residents in the Oxford area still waiting for electricity and water restoration nearly two weeks later. The storm caused widespread damage, downing trees and power lines, and forcing many families to seek shelter with relatives or at emergency shelters set up by relief organizations.

Why it matters

The prolonged power outages have created significant hardship for residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable, who have had to endure bitter cold temperatures and lack of access to basic necessities like food, water, and heat. The storm's impact highlights the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness in the region to better withstand extreme weather events.

The details

In the Oxford area, about 4,200 customers in Lafayette County remained without power as of Friday, along with thousands more in surrounding counties. Downed trees and power lines have made repairs difficult, and some residents have been forced to rely on generators, fireplaces, and emergency water sources to get by. Relief organizations like Eight Days of Hope have arrived to assist with cleanup and provide meals, but the recovery process is expected to take several more days.

  • The ice storm struck in late January, knocking out power to around 180,000 homes and businesses in Mississippi.
  • Nearly two weeks after the storm, close to 20,000 customers in northern Mississippi are still without power.
  • On Friday, temperatures in Oxford reached 70 degrees, but piles of ice and debris remained in shaded areas.

The players

Barbara Bishop

A 79-year-old resident of rural Oxford, Mississippi who lost power to her home along with her 85-year-old husband, George Bishop.

Russ Jones

A resident of Oxford who, along with his wife, lost both electricity and water for days following the storm, forcing them to stay with friends.

Eight Days of Hope

A nonprofit organization that responded to the storm and has helped dozens of homeowners in the Oxford area with cleanup and recovery efforts, serving over 16,000 free meals.

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What they’re saying

“It's just been one of those times you just have to grit, grit your teeth and bare it.”

— Barbara Bishop (ksgf.com)

“It's just beyond anything I could ever imagine.”

— Russ Jones (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Utility companies are working around the clock to restore power to the remaining customers, but the process is expected to take several more days due to the extensive damage. Local and state officials are also assessing the need for additional disaster relief and support for affected residents.

The takeaway

The prolonged power outages in Mississippi following the winter storm highlight the vulnerability of the region's infrastructure to extreme weather events and the need for improved emergency preparedness and response efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, especially the most vulnerable populations.