Oxford approved for Individual Assistance Due to Ice Storm

Residents in Oxford and throughout Lafayette County are now eligible for federal disaster assistance following approval of Mississippi’s request for Individual Assistance related 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.

Lafayette County, home to the city of Oxford and the University of Mississippi, serves as a major cultural, educational, and economic hub in North Mississippi. The winter storm brought icy road conditions, freezing temperatures, and power outages that disrupted travel, campus activity, and local businesses throughout the area.

Lafayette 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 Individual Assistance program provides financial support to residents recovering from storm-related damage. Eligible assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs for individuals and business owners.

Residents in Oxford and Lafayette County who sustained damage during the winter weather event are encouraged to apply. Applications can be completed 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 when registering.

Officials say the federal assistance will be critical in helping Oxford and Lafayette County recover from the storm’s impacts and return to normal operations.