Mississippi National Guard expands winter storm response

Published 11:24 am Monday, February 2, 2026

The Mississippi National Guard on Friday activated an additional 150 service members bringing the total to 650 personnel, to conduct general support, fueling operations, and aerial logistics packaging of food, water, medical, and other needed supplies following a major winter storm Jan. 23-26, 2026.

The storm, named Winter Storm Fern by The Weather Channel and the National Weather Service, impacted parts of Mississippi bringing freezing rain, sleet, snow and dangerous temperatures. Lafayette, Tishomingo, Panola, Tippah, and Alcorn counties in North Mississippi are the most heavily impacted in the state.

Mississippi Guardsmen from the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 172nd Airlift Wing, 186th Air Refueling Wing, and other support personnel from Joint Force Headquarters, are assisting the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency with medical, fueling, and warming centers and shelter operations. MSNG-JFH State Army Aviation Office is providing aviation assets to move supplies and personnel throughout North Mississippi, and medical evacuations of patients to care centers outside the affected areas.

Since the start of response efforts, the MSNG has transported and dispersed more than 8,578 cases of bottled water, more than 3,000 boxes of Meals-Ready-to-Eat, 8,000 gallons of bulk water, more than 25,415 gallons of fuel, 344 cots, and more than 2,726 blankets throughout the 13-county area of operations.

The Mississippi National Guard will continue to work with local, state and federal agencies and assist with winter storm response until its services are no longer needed.