WASHINGTON – 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., applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration following deadly Winter Storm Fern which struck the state from January 23-27, 2026.
This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts across Mississippi. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 38 counties, including Tate County.
“We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These resources will help our communities rebuild after Winter Storm Fern. We are grateful for this immediate response from the administration,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.
Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration.
“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 wrote in the letter.
Details of the letter and how government entities, organizations, businesses and individuals can obtain disaster relief will be forthcoming and will be printed in the Tate Record of Tate County, Senatobia and Coldwater and the unincorporated towns of Arkabutla, Looxahoma, Sarah, Savage, Strayhorn, Thyatira and Tyro.
