How recent winter storms have affected local storms and grocery stores

On February 15, 2021, a catastrophic ice storm struck the Pine Belt area as icy conditions and cold temperatures dropped to a record low of 10-18 degrees. As a result, the first wave of the ice storm caused numerous cities to lose power, food, and the need for other utilities is scarce. According to WDAM, “The Forrest County 361 shelter as well as additional shelters that will be open to anyone looking for a warm place to stay. It will remain open until the severe cold clears out of the area on late Friday morning.”

Not only does the weather bring questions, but the farmers and sharecroppers are at risk of losing their products. Local farms such as “Hub City Fruit and Garden Farm, and “Nature’s Gourmet Farm,” are providing local grocery stores with products. According to Food Processing, “Winter storms forced chicken processor Sanderson Farms Inc. to suspend operations at its Texas, Mississippi and Hammond Louisiana processing plants Monday and Tuesday. Four broiler houses in Mississippi were destroyed as a result of collapsed roofs from accumulated ice and snow. While our processing plants, feed mills, and hatcheries are secure, we continue to monitor conditions on our live grow-out farms and live production supply chain.”

As a result of this, without insurance farmers have no additional way of getting back what was lost. With temperatures continuing to drop, the second ice storm wave is set to make its way into the Pine Belt area Wednesday evening throughout Thursday night. This winter storm will result in more significant ice hazards and snow conditions. Despite the catastrophic event, farmers and productions seek to maintain their products and way of distribution.