January 23, 2026, in a called emergency session of the Tate County Board of Supervisors the board voted unanimously to approve a state of emergency proclamation in accordance with the one issued January 22 by Governor Tate Reeves. Adopting this proclamation paves the way for Tate County to better coordinate with state and federal agencies to ensure more effective action during this weather emergency. 

To prepare for the expected ice and snow, the Tate County Road Department has applied salt to major intersections and bridges across the county. Even so, there will still be ice on many roadways. We urge you to stay off the roads if possible, and to use the utmost caution if you do have to drive.  

Road crews have been assigned to different areas of the county to help provide rapid response to downed trees and other potential road obstructions. These crews will be dispatched as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Tate County, balanced with the need to protect them from unnecessary danger.  

Volunteers are asked to please contact Tate County EMA Director Jim Huestis at (662)292-1597 or (662)562-5012. This allows for coordination with other volunteers and with county road crews, law enforcement, and EMS. 

If you need emergency assistance, call 911. If you need to report downed trees, road obstructions or other non-life-threatening problems, call the Tate County non-emergency number at 662-560-5692 or call your district supervisor at 662-562-4647, extension 0 and select your district number. 

Above all, stay safe.