Gov. Tate Reeves issues 'state of emergency' as winter storm nears Mississippi

Martha Sanchez, The Sun Herald on Jan 22, 2026

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Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves issued a “state of emergency” on Thursday in advance of a winter storm expected to cripple the Deep South with freezing rain and snow.

The announcement Thursday afternoon means state leaders can more quickly help counties affected by the storm.

“Please continue to monitor the forecast,” Reeves said in a social media post.

The state of emergency extends through Tuesday. The National Weather Service is warning a major winter storm sweeping across the country could ice roads from northern Mississippi to the southwest corner of the state starting Friday. The ice accumulation could down trees and cause power outages.

Forecasters said the ice and freezing rain will fall north of the Mississippi Coast. But temperatures in Gulfport and Biloxi will plummet below freezing early next week.

Reeves said the state was sending generators, water, blankets and cots to counties that need them. Counties are also opening warming shelters.