Nearly Two Weeks Without Power After Mississippi Ice Storm

Thousands of customers remain without electricity following late January winter weather.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Nearly two weeks after an ice storm knocked out power to homes in northern Mississippi, thousands of customers are still without electricity. The storm caused widespread damage, with ice-coated trees snapping and bringing down power lines. Residents in the rural Oxford area have endured bitter cold and spoiled food, relying on gas heaters, fireplaces, and help from volunteers to get by.

Why it matters

The extended power outages following the winter storm highlight the vulnerability of the region's electrical grid and infrastructure to extreme weather events. The prolonged lack of power has caused significant hardship for many residents, especially the elderly and those without access to alternative heating sources.

The details

The ice storm struck northern Mississippi in late January, knocking out power to about 180,000 homes and businesses. Nearly two weeks later, around 20,000 customers remain without electricity, with the hardest-hit areas being Lafayette, Tippah, Panola, Yalobusha, and Tishomingo counties. Residents like the Bishops, a couple in their 70s and 80s, have had to endure days of bitter cold and spoiled food, taking in family members whose homes also lost power and water. Volunteer groups like Eight Days of Hope have arrived to help clear debris and provide meals, but the recovery process has been slow.

  • The ice storm hit northern Mississippi in late January 2026.
  • Nearly two weeks after the storm, around 20,000 customers remained without power as of February 6, 2026.

The players

Barbara Bishop

A 79-year-old resident of rural Oxford, Mississippi who lost power to her home during the ice storm.

George Bishop

Barbara Bishop's 85-year-old husband, who also lost power to their rural home.

Russ Jones

A resident of Oxford who lost both electricity and water to his home following the ice storm.

Eight Days of Hope

A nonprofit organization that responded to the winter storm, helping to clear debris and provide free meals to affected residents.

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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 (Associated Press)

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

— Russ Jones (Associated Press)

What’s next

Utility companies are continuing to work to restore power to the remaining customers affected by the ice storm. Residents are relying on community support and alternative heating sources as the recovery process continues.

The takeaway

The extended power outages following the Mississippi ice storm highlight the need for more resilient electrical infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events. The hardship experienced by residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable, underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and community-based disaster response efforts.