The Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) activated 500 service members across the state to conduct general support, fueling operations, and aerial logistics packaging of food and other needed supplies following a major winter storm that moved through North Mississippi this weekend.
"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 through the weekend," The Guard said in a press release. "Mississippi currently has the second most power outages in the U.S. with more than 150,000 customers affected.
"Significant travel and infrastructure disruptions exist and could continue into next week," the statement continued. "Lafayette, Tishomingo, Tippah and Alcorn counties in North Mississippi are the most heavily impacted in the state."
The Mississippi National Guard was placed on a formal State Active Duty status and are conducting mobilization and resource deployment operations alongside county officials across North Mississippi.
Units also involved include members of 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).
These men and women will assist the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency with medical, fueling, and debris removal operations.
The task force is primarily operating out of Camp McCain in Grenada. MSNG-JFH State Army Aviation Office is providing aviation assets to help move food and water supplies throughout North Mississippi.
"This week more than 30 Mississippi counties have received nearly 140 requests for assistance including requests for generators, medical supplies, cots, blankets, and food and water, as power restoration to rural parts of the state may take multiple days or more," The Guard said. "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.
