U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, along with U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, Trent Kelly, Michael Guest, and Mike Ezell, expressed their approval after President Trump granted Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern. The storm impacted the state from January 23 to 27, 2026.
The federal declaration will provide resources to support recovery efforts throughout Mississippi. Public Assistance has been approved for 38 counties affected by the storm.
“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,” said the Mississippi congressional delegation in a joint statement.
After the storm, members of the delegation sent a letter to President Trump supporting Governor Tate Reeves’ request for federal assistance.
“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,” wrote the lawmakers in their letter.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) noted that additional assistance may be designated if requested by state officials and justified by further damage assessments.
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith represents Mississippi as its first female elected senator and serves on several Senate committees including Appropriations; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Energy and Natural Resources; and Rules and Administration. Her office operates in Washington, D.C., as well as district offices across Mississippi in Ridgeland, Gulfport, and Oxford. According to her official website, her priorities include agriculture, rural development, public safety, education, health care, veterans’ issues, jobs creation and economic growth.
