The number of deaths from Winter Storm Fern is now up to seven, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday morning.
“Sadly, three deaths have been confirmed in Tate County. This brings the total fatalities to seven statewide. Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of those lost,” Reeves wrote on social media.
The identities of those who died in Tate County have not been released at this time. The other deaths happened in Alcorn, Hinds, Leflore, and Tishomingo counties. The deceased there were identified as Nina Dorna; Bobbie Freeman, 66; Annie Scott, 71; and Timothy Steele, 73.
While Winter Storm Fern completely passed through by Sunday afternoon, the lingering effects such as icy conditions and power outages are still being felt. In north Mississippi and portions of the Delta, some roads are closed and over 117,000 still remained without power as of late Wednesday morning. That’s down from a high of 180,000-plus.
Emergency crews from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, Mississippi Department of Transportation, and Mississippi National Guard are working to clear major interstates. A major backup on stretches of Interstate 55 and Interstate 22 were reported Tuesday afternoon and continued to see drivers stranded as of Wednesday morning.
“Please do everything in your power to avoid driving on I-55 or I-22. Doing so makes the situation worse and harder for emergency crews to do their job,” Reeves added.
Damage reports are rising with 208 homes, 20 public roads, seven farms, and five businesses being damaged. So far, 40 counties have submitted 223 requests for assistance as the number of warming centers is now up to 81 across 47 counties. As of Wednesday morning, MDOT was reporting existing ice in 28 counties.
