Mississippi National Guard Soldiers distribute bottled water to local officials and community members during winter storm response operations in Oxford, Mississippi, Jan. 29, 2026. Guardsmen are assisting with the delivery and distribution of essential supplies to support communities impacted by severe winter weather. (Photos by the Mississippi National Guard)
The Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) 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. Significant travel and infrastructure disruptions exist and could continue into next week. Lafayette, Tishomingo, Panola, Tippah, and Alcorn counties in North Mississippi being the most heavily impacted in the state.
Mississippi National Mississippi National Guard Soldiers assist a stranded motorist during winter storm response operations in Mississippi, Jan. 29, 2026. Guardsmen are supporting route clearance, vehicle recovery, and lifesaving missions across multiple counties as part of the state’s response to severe winter weather. (Photos by the Mississippi National Guard)
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 (JFH), 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 our 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 (MREs), 8,000 gallons of bulk water, more than 25,415 gallons of fuel, 344 cots, and more than 2,726 blankets throughout our 13-county area of operations.
The Mississippi National Guard continues to stand Shoulder to Shoulder with local, state and federal agencies and will continue assisting with winter storm response until our services are no longer needed.
Airmen assigned to the 172nd Civil Engineer Squadron clear snow and ice from a facility during winter storm response operations in Mississippi, Jan. 29, 2026. Mississippi National Guard Airmen are conducting route clearance and facility access missions to support community recovery efforts following severe winter weather. (Photos by the Mississippi National Guard)