Mississippi National Guard Deployed Amidst Severe Ice Storm and Power Outages

Ice Storm Aftermath and National Guard Deployment

• ❄️ The Mississippi National Guard has been deployed across the state to aid in recovery efforts following a severe weekend ice storm.
• 📉 Nearly 10% of Mississippi is currently without power due to widespread damage from the storm.

Impact on Oxford and University of Mississippi

• 🏫 In Oxford, the University of Mississippi has announced a closure for the entire week due to the ongoing crisis.
• 💡 Students are seeking shelter from the cold, with many congregating in the student union for warmth and safety.
• ⚠️ The campus, known for its large oak trees, is hazardous as ice accumulation causes tree limbs and branches to fall.

Challenges with Power Restoration and Safety

• ⚡ Power outages are extensive, affecting over 100,000 residents, and restoration is expected to take a significant amount of time.
• 🚶 Police are providing escorts to students needing to reach the student union due to dangerous conditions on campus.
• 🏥 Some students have resorted to seeking shelter in hospitals, while others huddled in dormitories without heat.

National Impact of the Winter Storm

• 🥶 The extreme cold is a serious concern, with the death toll from the winter storm rising to 21 people nationwide.
• 🧊 The ice accumulation remains significant, with temperatures in the teens preventing melting and creating hazardous, chandelier-like formations.