Thousands in Mississippi Still Without Power After Ice Storm

Families in Oxford struggle with basic amenities like light, water, and food two weeks after devastating winter weather.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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More than 15,000 customers in northern Mississippi remain without electricity nearly two weeks after an ice storm devastated communities across the region. Families in Oxford are still heating with gas heaters, flushing toilets with buckets, and dealing with spoiled food as they wait for power to be restored. The storm knocked down power lines and trees, making roads impassable. While temperatures have finally started to warm up, some areas are still dealing with icy conditions and downed debris.

Why it matters

The prolonged power outages have created major hardships for residents, especially the elderly, as they struggle to meet basic needs like heating, cooking, and sanitation. The storm's impact on the local infrastructure has also disrupted daily life and the regional economy. This event highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events and the importance of disaster preparedness and resilient power grids.

The details

After the ice storm hit, the home of Barbara Bishop, 79, and her husband George, 85, became a refuge for their son, granddaughter, and her two children, all of whom had lost power and water. The family of seven huddled around a single gas heater to stay warm during the bitter cold. At one point, they even lost water, forcing them to flush toilets with buckets. Across the street, Russ Jones and his wife also lived without electricity or water for days, cooking on their gas stove and relying on their fireplace to stay warm.

  • The ice storm hit the region nearly two weeks ago.
  • As of Saturday morning, over 15,000 customers were still without power.
  • Lafayette County, where Oxford is located, still had more than 3,000 customers without power.
  • By Friday, temperatures in Oxford had finally reached 70 degrees, but ice still covered the ground in shaded areas.
  • Warmer weather with highs in the 60s and 70s is expected this week, providing some relief.

The players

Barbara Bishop

A 79-year-old resident of rural Mississippi who lost power and water at her home after the ice storm.

George Bishop

Barbara Bishop's 85-year-old husband, who also lost power and water at their home.

Russ Jones

A resident of Oxford, Mississippi who lived without electricity or water for days after the storm, resorting to using buckets to flush toilets and relying on his gas stove and fireplace to get by.

Eight Days of Hope

A nonprofit organization that has been providing assistance to homeowners in the area, clearing debris, repairing roofs, and serving over 16,000 free meals.

Rob Shackelford

A meteorologist who provided an update on the improving weather conditions in the region.

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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 (aol.com)

“It's been a shock to the system.”

— Russ Jones (aol.com)

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

— Russ Jones (aol.com)

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 event highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events and the importance of disaster preparedness and resilient power grids to ensure residents can reliably access basic necessities like electricity, water, and heat during prolonged outages.