In Mississippi, bad weather usually comes in the form of hurricanes or tornadoes. However, in 1994, the state experienced inclement weather of another kind – an ice storm. Dubbed the "Southern Ice Storm," the blizzard pelted the South with immense amounts of ice, causing extensive damage in 11 states.Though more than two decades have passed since the storm, it’s sure to be remembered for decades to come. Currently, it is remembered as the largest blizzard in Mississippi history.
Considered "the second worst ice storm in history," the Southern Ice Storm hit the South February 9-13, 1994.
The storm struck with virtually no warning. In fact, at around midnight on February 9th, temperatures were around 70 degrees in the Mississippi Delta!
When all was said and done, it caused $3 billion dollars in damage in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Of all the states impacted, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama were hit the hardest.
The Delta region of Mississippi was severely affected, which is why the storm is sometimes referred to as "The 1994 Delta Ice Storm."
The vast amount of ice brought by the storm caused more than 80,000 utility poles to collapse, leaving more than 2 million people without power.
Three days after the storm, a half a million people were still without power because it was basically impossible for utility companies to keep up with the falling lines and snapping poles. At the time, the main goal was to ensure hospitals, nursing homes, and emergency services had electricity.
In Mississippi alone, 200,000 people lost electricity. Many residents lost water, too.
And despite crews working up to 16 hours a day in Mississippi, many residents didn't regain electric service for several weeks following the storm.
In addition to utility poles, the ice brought down countless trees and limbs, causing widespread damage to homes and businesses.
The downed trees and limbs also made travel nearly impossible.
Residents of the Delta began to see a relief from the icy conditions on February 11th, when temperatures warmed to slightly above freezing. By the following day, the temperature reached the 40s, allowing the ice to fully begin to thaw.
Get more chilling details about the storm in the video below:
So, do you remember this ice storm as the largest blizzard in Mississippi? Have a story to share about those chilly days in February of 1994? Tell us in the comments section!
Read about another historic catastrophe, which will never be forgotten in "A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Mississippi In 1936… And No One Saw It Coming."
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