MS National Guard leader explains expected winter storm relief efforts as 500 members deployed

by

Shamira Muhammad

• Published on January 28, 2026 • Last modified on February 2, 2026

National Guard troops huddle in a group of three as military vehicles are seen next to them and in the background. — Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 198th Armored Regiment, stage vehicles and equipment at Camp McCain Training Center in Grenada, Jan. 27, 2026.
(U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1 Class Shane Hamann)

The Mississippi National Guard has deployed 500 members from across the state to more than 30 counties hit hardest by Winter Storm Fern. Governor Tate Reeves signed an executive order approving the deployment Monday.

Shamira Muhammad

Mississippi National Guard deploys troops to assist with Fern relief efforts

“We actually started last week just kind of doing preventive maintenance on some of our vehicles and staging vehicles just in case we were needed for this ice storm,” said Major General Bobby Ginn, Adjutant General for the State of Mississippi and the Commanding General of the Mississippi National Guard.

Helicopters loaded with supplies began to make their way to north Mississippi Tuesday, days after severe conditions caused by ice, snow and other related issues caused the death of four Mississippians.

“We're there to help,” said Ginn. “All of our soldiers will be briefed before they go out.”

Soldiers and airmen will use the Camp McCain Joint Forces Training Center in Grenada as a distribution and coordination point.

Soldiers load pallets of water onto a military helicopter. — Soldiers from the 185th Aviation Brigade load pallets of water, cots and Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) aboard a C-47 Chinook helicopter before departing to Corinth, Jan. 27, 2026.
(U.S. national Guard photo by Maj. Kandi Murphy)

Ginn said guard members will use heavy tactical vehicles able to hold 2,500 gallons of fuel and a large amount of cargo, including supplies, MREs and water. Aerial support will also be able to airlift generators and troops will assist with clearing debris from the storm.

There are still nearly 130,000 power outages statewide. Dangerous travel and infrastructure issues are ongoing, with fluctuating temperatures causing ice to fall from trees.

“It's just devastating,” said Ginna. “It is unbelievable what an ice storm can do. I heard some people on the radio talking about, it'll change the look of communities for a long, long time.”

Guards members are also expected to provide impacted communities with medical supplies, cots and blankets.

“Certainly that's what they signed up to do, to go and to help people that are in a time of need,” said Ginn. “Sometimes we're called upon to do that abroad. Sometimes we're called upon to do that here in Mississippi. It's just a good feeling to be able to help in a time of need within your own state.”

Power restoration in affected counties may take several days.