North Mississippi Communities Band Together After Nine Days Without Power

Residents in Marshall County share stories of resilience and the grueling reality of life without electricity, water, and basic services following a brutal snowstorm.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A severe snowstorm left thousands of North Mississippi residents without power, water, and other basic services for over nine days. Despite the hardship, the community has banded together to support one another, with neighbors cooking meals, checking on the elderly, and organizing relief efforts. Local leaders are drawing comparisons to the infamous 1994 ice storm, as crews work to restore power and clear debris. There are signs that the worst may be over, with temperatures rising and trash service expected to resume.

Why it matters

This story highlights the resilience and community spirit of North Mississippi residents in the face of a prolonged natural disaster. It also raises questions about the region's preparedness and infrastructure for dealing with extreme winter weather events, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change.

The details

The snowstorm caused widespread damage to the local power grid, leaving many residents without electricity, water, and other basic services. Demetrius Howell, one of the lucky ones to have power restored, has been cooking meals for his neighbors, including older residents who can't get out. Others, like Suzie Harris, have been forced to navigate their homes by candlelight. Local fire departments have set up hubs to distribute supplies and provide assistance to those in need. Residents like Sherry Keel have been going door-to-door to check on isolated homes and provide aid.

  • The snowstorm hit nine days ago, causing widespread damage.
  • Power was restored to Demetrius Howell's home over the weekend.
  • Suzie Harris has been without power since late Saturday night.
  • Trash service is expected to resume on Tuesday.
  • Temperatures are forecasted to reach 52 degrees on Tuesday, allowing the ice to begin melting.

The players

Demetrius Howell

A resident of Marshall County who has been cooking meals for his neighbors, including older residents who can't get out.

Suzie Harris

A resident of Marshall County who has been without power since late Saturday night and has been forced to navigate her home by candlelight.

Blake Bagwell

Fire Chief of the Waterford Laws Hill Volunteer Fire Department, who has turned a local recreation center into a hub of hope where neighbors can pick up free meals and supplies.

Alan Montoria

Assistant Fire Chief of the Waterford Laws Hill Volunteer Fire Department, who has been providing oxygen for residents with medical needs and loaning out generators to seniors in critical condition.

Sherry Keel

A resident of Marshall County who has been driving to isolated homes to check on those in need and provide aid.

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What they’re saying

“Right now I'm setting up right here, trying to fix a few meals for people in the neighborhood. We got a lot of older people here who can't get out, can't do anything.”

— Demetrius Howell (localmemphis.com)

“It's rough. That's all we can do, try to make it.”

— Suzie Harris (localmemphis.com)

“I didn't get to live through the 1994 ice storm, but they say it's just as bad, if not, maybe a little worse.”

— Blake Bagwell, Fire Chief, Waterford Laws Hill Volunteer Fire Department (localmemphis.com)

“We're doing our best to get supplies out to people that need it—the elderly, the people who might be trapped or have no way to get out.”

— Alan Montoria, Assistant Fire Chief, Waterford Laws Hill Volunteer Fire Department (localmemphis.com)

“Just knocking on doors and walking up to houses and people don't have anything. It's just sad.”

— Sherry Keel (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

The national disaster relief organization Team Rubicon is expected to begin field operations on Tuesday morning, providing much-needed manpower for storm cleanup and recovery.

The takeaway

This story highlights the resilience and community spirit of North Mississippi residents in the face of a prolonged natural disaster, as they band together to support one another and rebuild. It also raises important questions about the region's preparedness and infrastructure for dealing with extreme winter weather events, which are likely to become more frequent due to the impacts of climate change.