As we head into another cold night, the City of Olive Branch continues to closely monitor community conditions after Winter Storm 2026.
This afternoon, Governor Tate Reeves announced that the state of Mississippi continues to respond to the severe winter weather impacting the state. The state of Mississippi continues to work with county, state, federal, and private sector partners to respond to this storm. 47 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have reported damage and impacts from the storm. There are approximately 153,000 without power across the state. Weather hazards, debris, and road conditions are making it difficult to restore power. The Mississippi Department of Transportation is constantly working to make roads passable. They are also coordinating with local power companies to help clear roadways of any downed power lines. Power companies and utility crews are working tirelessly to restore power as quickly as possible.
We share this update with you to highlight how fortunate the City of Olive Branch and DeSoto County is to not be in the position some of our sister Cities are in. It will be many weeks before they cover. In the City of Olive Branch, we have NO homes experiencing utility outages- including electricity, telecommunications, gas, sewer, and water.
Our City Public Works and Fleet Services departments have worked 24/7 since Winter Storm Fern arrives. Our City has over 350 linear miles of roadways that we must continue to address. This storm is unlike any winter storm we've experience this decade. With layers of ice that feels very much like concrete, progress is slow, but crews are addressing the heaviest travelled areas first so that first responders can respond to emergency calls, to our heaviest travelled areas and bridges throughout our community.
Please realize the State maintained roads have been pushed back so that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) staff in North MS could be dispatched to Oxford and Lafayette County due to the catastrophic weather event they will be working through for some time. MDOT has advised they will send staff from further south in MS to help address I -22, I -55, Hwy 305, I -269, Hwy 302, Hwy 55, and Hwy 178. This will take some time to address this unprecedented event.
We are so fortunate to not be in the position some other cities are in. It will be many weeks before they recover.
We continue to urge all non-essential individuals, those who do not have a duty requiring them to leave home to serve others, to please stay put. If you are essential, please use caution, give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going to better serve our community.
Some City services continue to be impacted by the weather. Garbage collection has been suspended for Tuesday. City Park, Olive Bark dog park, the track, and its walking trails remain closed for safety. The Olive Branch Court has rescheduled all court dates. City Hall and other non-emergency buildings will also remain closed. You can find full details on this at www.obms.us/winterstorm2026
Overnight temperatures are anticipated to reach near record lows. Mayor Adams and City Staff would like to remind everyone to take extra precautions at home:
- keep faucets dripping to help prevent frozen pipes,
- use space heaters safely,
- keep phones charged,
- check in on neighbors, family members, and pets.
Fireplace Safety
Keep it clear: Maintain a safe zone of at least 3 feet around the fireplace—no furniture, decorations, or flammable items nearby.
Inspect and maintain: Have wood chimneys cleaned annually and gas fireplaces professionally inspected to prevent fires, leaks, or carbon monoxide issues.
Use the right materials: Burn only seasoned firewood in wood-burning fireplaces; never burn trash or treated wood. For gas fireplaces, use only manufacturer-approved components.
Practice safe operation: Always open the damper before lighting a wood fire, use a screen or glass doors, and never leave any fireplace unattended while in use.
Heater Safety
To use electric or gas-powered heaters safely, be sure to keep them 3 feet from flammable items and place them on a flat, stable surface. These should ALWAYS be plugged in directly to a wall outlet. NO EXTENSION CORDS! Properly ventilate emergency heat sources. Never leave them on unattended or while sleeping.
Utility Outages:
In the event you experience utility outages, please contact your utility company directly. Do not reach out through social media:
• Northcentral Electric Cooperative 662-895-2151
• Entergy Mississippi 1-800-368-3749
• City of Olive Branch Public Works Gas/Water / 662-895-4111
• Atmos Energy (Gas) / (888) 286-6700
Warming centers remain available for anyone who needs a safe, warm place. The Olive Branch Storm Shelter, located at 9549 Pigeon Roost, is here if you need it.
Thank you to our public works, police, fire, and emergency crews who are working through these conditions, and thank you to residents for continuing to look out for one another during this storm. Follow updates on the http://www.obms.us/winterstorm2026 page for the latest city updates or connect with us on social media. Stay indoors, stay off the roads, stay informed, and look out for one another. Again, Municipal crews and emergency services are continuing to work through Winter Storm Fern to keep the community safe. Stay safe, Olive Branch.