Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi

WASHINGTON - The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared their strong support for Governor Tate Reeves' request for a major disaster declaration after deadly Winter Storm Fern struck the state from January 23 through January 27, 2026.

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor's request for an expedited major disaster declaration for 36 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians for individual federal assistance and disaster unemployment. The message also contains a request for public assistance to help local governments in 38 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. If approved, the major disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts, including debris removal.

"We are grieved that preliminary reports indicate that 26 lives have been lost in our state. Nearly 200,000 homes lost power, and many residents remain without electricity. Initial damage assessments point to widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and community facilities," the lawmakers wrote.

The letter follows a preliminary disaster assessment, which highlights the tragic loss of life and the extent of damage to Mississippi communities

"State and local resources, along with those of volunteer organizations, are insufficient to meet Mississippi's recovery needs. Strong federal support and coordination will be essential to help communities recover and rebuild," the lawmakers continued.

Read the full letter below.

"Dear President Trump,

In the aftermath of the devastation caused by Winter Storm Fern and its significant impact on the State of Mississippi, we respectfully encourage your full consideration of Governor Tate Reeves' request for a major disaster declaration. We are grateful for the continued support provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to this and prior disasters, and we look forward to the agency's timely assistance as state and local officials work diligently to assess and respond to the full scope of the damage.

From January 23 through January 27, 2026, dozens of Mississippi counties experienced extreme weather conditions as a result of Winter Storm Fern. We are grieved that preliminary reports indicate that 26 lives have been lost in our state. Nearly 200,000 homes lost power, and many residents remain without electricity. Initial damage assessments point to widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and community facilities.

The requested major disaster declaration includes a request for individual assistance for 36 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, as well as disaster unemployment. Additionally, it contains a request for public assistance to help local governments in 38 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, particularly with debris removal.

State and local resources, along with those of volunteer organizations, are insufficient to meet Mississippi's recovery needs. Strong federal support and coordination will be essential to help communities recover and rebuild. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should additional information be needed."