Reeves seeks major disaster declaration for Quitman County and other storm-hit counties

Governor Tate Reeves requested a Major Disaster Declaration on February 3, 2026, seeking federal aid after severe winter storms swept across Mississippi from January 23 to January 27. The request, coordinated with FEMA and state agencies, aims to unlock individual assistance, disaster unemployment help, and public assistance for debris removal and infrastructure repairs that could benefit Delta counties, including Quitman County.

The governor’s formal release says the state has been working closely with federal and local partners to assess damage and build a case for federal support. “The state of Mississippi has been working closely with FEMA, state agencies, and local governments on this Major Disaster Declaration request. Together, we’ve been assessing damage and working to ensure that my request met the required federal thresholds. My request is another step forward as we continue to help Mississippians recover from the historic winter weather storm. The state of Mississippi will continue to use every tool at its disposal to help those in need. We will not stop until the work is complete,” Reeves said in the statement.

State emergency officials say much of the severe damage was concentrated in North Mississippi and the Mississippi Delta, the region that includes Quitman County. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) officials are urging residents across affected counties to document home damage with photos and videos and use the agency’s online self-report tool to support the state’s request. Scott Simmons, MEMA’s director of external affairs, said, “There's a lot of damage. There's no question when you talk about a storm of this magnitude.” He added that documentation will be critical when the state presents its case to FEMA: “When we go back through with FEMA, hopefully to make our case for a federal disaster declaration, that self-reported documentation is a huge chunk of the evidence we need to make the state's case.”

The storm left widespread damage to electrical infrastructure and property. MPB reported that more than 30,000 residents remained without power as crews contended with downed trees, broken poles, and tangled lines. Simmons described the scale of the work: “The impact to the infrastructure is just enormous. For these power providers, they're fighting an uphill battle right now, trying to get through the down debris, trying to rebuild the power poles, to restring the lines and get energy back to those homes that need it.”

Fatality figures remain evolving in state reports. A MEMA update posted in early February said two additional deaths brought the statewide total to 25, while MEMA’s Scott Simmons was quoted as saying, “51 counties impacted in some form or fashion by this horrific ice storm. We've lost 27 lives.” Local officials and families in Quitman County should expect the county list for federal assistance to be clarified as damage assessments continue.

What comes next for Quitman County is partly procedural: FEMA must review the governor’s request and the state may update which counties are included. In the meantime, residents should photograph and record storm damage, report losses through MEMA’s damage-reporting channels, and stay in touch with county emergency officials so local needs are reflected in the federal request and recovery resources reach the Delta’s communities.