President Donald Trump has granted major disaster declarations for both Tennessee and Mississippi after the historic and deadly Winter Storm Fern that struck 40 states to close out January.
These declarations authorize FEMA Public Assistance to support recovery efforts in the affected counties of each state.
“This approval ensures federal resources are available to support Tennesseans, and we are grateful for the Trump Administration’s unwavering support,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves stated that due to Trump‘s approval of the declarations, “Mississippi will be able to continue our response efforts and better help Mississippians recover,” per FOX Weather. (RELATED: Northern Utah, Including Salt Lake City, Gets Rattled By Magnitude 3.5 Earthquake)
The death toll from the catastrophic winter storm has continued to climb in the two weeks since it hit, killing at least 111 people in over 12 states.
Trump’s approval grants FEMA Public Assistance eligibility to government entities and qualifying private nonprofit organizations in 15 counties in Tennessee. The assistance will help cover response and recovery costs, and will reimburse disaster-related expenses. This expands on the previous approval of eight counties for Category B Emergency Protective Measures Public Assistance, according to Gov. Lee.
Winter Storm Fern started developing Jan. 23 in the Southwest prior to strengthening and tracking east across the United States. By Friday afternoon, the system had formed over the Plains, unleashing heavy snowfall, ice, and rain on the region.
As Fern pushed through the Southeast, thick ice accumulations caused power outages to tens of thousands of residents in Tennessee and Mississippi.
Thank you to President Trump for signing Emergency Disaster Declarations for Mississippi and Tennessee.
Before, during, and in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, the Trump administration coordinated with state and local governments to ensure that a response was locally… pic.twitter.com/4O7GZMiF5R
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 6, 2026
At the storm’s height, it left approximately 1 million Americans without electricity, with some outages lasting for days.
More than two weeks later, pockets of Mississippi were still suffering from power outages.
Nashville, Tennessee, recorded more than 0.47 inches of ice accumulation, while areas of Mississippi saw roughly 1 inch of ice.
Traveling across the country was severely disrupted, with over 32,000 flights canceled during the storm — one of the most significant aviation impacts since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. (RELATED: Satellite Data Records Bolide Meteor Exploding Right Beside Gulf Coast Of Florida)
Several multi-vehicle pileups occurred on major highways, triggering lengthy closures of interstates and leaving many stranded for extended periods.
President Trump stated that he approved around $100 million total in federal aid for recovery efforts in Tennessee and Mississippi.
Each state remains deeply engaged in recovery, working to deliver assistance and resources to residents and communities hit by Winter Storm Fern.