Residents in 36 counties can now apply for individual aid following severe winter weather in January 2026
Category: Politics
Residents and businesses in 36 counties across Mississippi can now apply for federal assistance following the devastating impacts of Winter Storm Fern, which struck the state from January 23 to 27, 2026. The storm, described by officials as the worst winter weather event in over three decades, caused extensive damage, leading to the loss of power for approximately 180,000 customers and resulting in 29 fatalities.
On April 11, 2026, Governor Tate Reeves announced that President Donald Trump had approved the state's request for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "My request for Individual Assistance (FEMA-4899 DR-MS) for counties affected by the January 23-27 severe winter weather has been approved by President Trump," Reeves stated on social media.
The counties eligible for individual assistance include Adams, Alcorn, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Claiborne, Coahoma, DeSoto, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leflore, Marshall, Montgomery, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, Warren, Washington, Yalobusha, and Yazoo, as well as the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Individual assistance may include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Residents can apply for assistance online or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-7585, with the disaster number being DR-4899.
Meanwhile, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has confirmed that all 82 counties in the state have been approved for some level of public assistance from FEMA. This assistance will help reimburse local and state government agencies for emergency response costs, debris removal, and the restoration of disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure.
Reeves emphasized the importance of the aid for those affected, stating, "Residents of the 36 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians who experienced losses during Winter Storm Fern will be able to apply for assistance by registering at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA help line at 1-800-621-3362." He also provided a number for the hearing or speech impaired, which is 1-800-462-7585 (TTY), though it was noted that this line was reportedly out of service when checked by Mississippi Today.
The storm left a trail of destruction, with ice coating roads and bridges, knocking down thousands of trees, and toppling power lines. Many residents were left without electricity for weeks, and the storm's impact prompted widespread concern among local communities.
In addition to individual assistance, MEMA has indicated that local governments in the 38 hardest-hit counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians are approved for all levels of public assistance from FEMA. This includes categories for emergency protective measures and reimbursement for costs related to the storm's aftermath.
As communities begin the recovery process, officials are urging residents to stay informed about the resources available to them. They are encouraged to reach out for help as they navigate the challenges posed by the winter storm's aftermath.
With the approval of federal assistance, Mississippi residents can now take steps toward rebuilding their lives and properties affected by Winter Storm Fern. This disaster response marks a concerted effort to provide support during a time of great need, emphasizing the importance of community resilience and federal support in disaster recovery.
As recovery efforts continue, Mississippi officials are focused on ensuring that all eligible residents are aware of the assistance available to them and can access the necessary resources to aid in their recovery.
For more information on how to apply for assistance, residents can visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362.