Federal Disaster Assistance Approved for Tupelo, Lee County After January Winter Storm
Residents in Tupelo and across Lee County are now eligible for federal disaster assistance following approval of Mississippi’s request for Individual Assistance tied to January’s severe winter weather.
Gov. Tate Reeves announced that Donald Trump approved the declaration under FEMA-4899-DR-MS, covering damages from the January 23–27 winter storm.
Lee County, home to Tupelo — one of North Mississippi’s largest economic and medical hubs — experienced significant impacts during the storm. Tupelo serves as a regional center for healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, drawing residents from across Northeast Mississippi. Icy conditions, dangerous roadways, and scattered power outages disrupted daily life and commerce throughout the area during the multi-day event.
Lee County is among 36 counties statewide — along with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians — approved for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The program provides financial help to residents who suffered storm-related losses. Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property damage, and additional recovery programs for individuals and business owners.
Residents in Tupelo and Lee County who experienced damage are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. TTY users may call 1-800-462-7585. Applicants should reference disaster number DR-4899.
Officials say the federal assistance will play a key role in helping Tupelo and Lee County residents recover and rebuild following the widespread winter weather impacts.
