Mississippi is known for its mild winters. However, that doesn’t mean the state has never experienced a brutal winter storm. Over the years, there have been several highly notable winter storms in Mississippi, including the following five, which were so severe, they’ve gone down in history.

1. The Great Blizzard of 1899
U.S. Weather Bureau/Wikimedia
During this history-making blizzard, which is also known as the Great Arctic Outbreak of 1899 and the St. Valentine's Day Blizzard, temperatures throughout the U.S., including Mississippi, plummeted to record-breaking lows. The storm wreaked havoc throughout the state. Icebergs formed on the Mississippi River, stopping boats dead in their tracks, gas lines became inoperable, and coal supplies dwindled. Even on the Gulf Coast, temperatures dropped down to 0 degrees, causing bays and parts of the Mississippi Sound to freeze.
2. Ice Storm of 1996
Blake, Edward L./Mississippi Dept. of Archives and History
The Ice Storm of 1996 brought snow, sleet, and record lows to the Midwest and the South. Mississippi experienced the brunt of the storm between February 1st and 2nd, when wind chill values were well below zero. Effects of the storm were felt long after, though, as immense amounts of ice damaged power lines, causing week-long outages in some areas.

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3. Southern Ice Storm
WJTV 12 News/YouTube
To this day, the Southern Ice Storm remains the 2nd worst ice storm in history to hit the South. Also known as the Delta Ice Storm, it struck on February 9 – 13, 1994, pummeling Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia with freezing temps and ice. Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama saw the worst impacts. Watch the vintage footage below for a closer look at the history-making storm.

4. Great Ice Storm of 1951
Natchez National Historical Park/YouTube
Living up to its name, the Great Ice Storm of 1951 affected a more than 100-mile-wide swath of land, stretching from Louisiana to West Virginia! It struck January 29th – February 2nd, leaving a wake of destruction in its path. When all was said and done, 25 people died, 500 were injured, and damages reached the millions. Check out the video below for a closer look at the Great Ice Storm of 1951 and its effects on Mississippi.

5. February 2021 Winter Storm
Visit Mississippi/Facebook
The most severe winter storm to hit the state since the Ice Storm of 1996, the effects of the February 2021 Winter Storm were felt across the state. Not only was ice reported on roads in 74 of Mississippi’s 82 counties, but temperatures were below freezing in most of the state. In fact, it was the coldest Mardi Gras the Mississippi Gulf Coast experienced in more than 120 years!

So, did you know about these winter storms in Mississippi? Aside from the storms mentioned above, do you remember another brutal blizzard or ice storm in Mississippi? Tell us in the comments!

These aren’t the only events to go down in Mississippi history. There have been plenty of other natural disasters in Mississippi that we’ll never forget.

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Mississippi Ice Storm

Tori Jane | November 15, 2022

What was the worst Mississippi ice storm on record?  

The worst Mississippi ice storm on record is most certainly a historical fluke. Snow in Mississippi isn’t terribly common, and blizzards are almost unheard of, though from time to time residents of the state may find themselves surprised. Some of the most notable winter storms in Mississippi on record include:  

  • The Great Blizzard of 1899 wasn’t just the worst Mississippi ice storm on record – it was the worst ice storm on record for most of the United States.   
  • In 2021, there was an unusually strong snowstorm that coated Mississippi with the most snow since the ice storm of 1996.   
  • In 1994 a remarkable blizzard impacted MS and several other states  
  • And, of course, in 1996, up to an inch of thick ice coated seemingly every surface following an ice storm nobody will ever forget! 

 

What is winter in MS like?  

Winter in MS is a fun time, and blizzards and/or ice storms are not typically the norm around here – so try not to worry! There are plenty of fun things to do in Mississippi during the winter, like embarking upon any of our favorite winter hikes in MS. There are some adorable towns that love transforming into Mississippi winter wonderlands year after year, and everyone around here seems to be a little happier around this time. Winter in Mississippi is a special time of year, and we think you’ll love it as much as we do!  

How much snow does MS get?  

It does not snow very much – or very often – in Mississippi. The state only sees an average of about one inch of snowfall every winter season (though this can change during particularly nasty or historic years). Compare this to the average annual snowfall in the United States – 28 inches per year – and you’ll realize that Mississippi is one of the least snowy states in the U.S.!  

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