Panola County Emergency Operations

05/06/2026

We are saddened of the loss of John Havas III from Sardis Lake Fire Department. He has been a huge asset to the Panola County Fire Services.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of John Havas III, a dedicated member of the Sardis Lake Fire Department.

John served his community with courage, selflessness, and honor. He was more than a firefighter—he was a brother, a teammate, and a friend who could always be counted on.

His sudden loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him and served alongside him. We are grateful for his service, his commitment, and the impact he made on this department and this community.

To his family, please know you are not alone. This department, this community—we grieve with you and stand beside you.

We ask that you keep his family, friends, and the Sardis Lake Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, 599. We’ll take it from here.

04/28/2026

-WEATHER ALERT FOR PANOLA COUNTY-

There is an elevated potential for severe weather today starting at 2pm going until 10pm tonight.

Risk of straight-line winds upwards of 80 mph are possible and a tornado can not be ruled out.

Stay weather aware. Have multiple ways to receive alerts and stay prepared.

04/27/2026

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) set to open today 4/27/2026 in Panola County at 12 PM.

Address to location:
275 Nosef Drive, Suite A
Batesville, MS 38606.

Operating Hours once open will be:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturdays - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sundays - CLOSED

DRC will assist you in applying for assistance for losses and repairs due to ICE STORM FERN. You may also apply for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. Disaster number is: DR-4899

04/19/2026

Yesterday, April 18th, the Panola County Water Operations and Dive Team, which consist of personnel from our office and Panola County Sheriff's Office- MS, were requested by Quitman County to assist in the search and recovery of a missing boater. In coordination with Mississippi Game and Fish, search efforts using local and state agency equipment along with some volunteer resources were utilized. After several dives and hours of searching into the night, the search was reluctantly called until morning.

Operations were continued at daybreak this morning with more resources from other agencies to include Mississippi Game & Fish, Tallahatchie EMA and Sheriffs Dept, Coahoma SAR, and Crowder Fire Department. The victim was located with sonar, and divers of the Panola Dive Team and members of the Mississippi Game and Fish were able to recover the boater.

We thank all agencies and volunteers involved for a smooth operation. Our prayers and condolences go out to the family.

04/14/2026

This week is Public Safety Telecommunications week and we want to express our sincere thanks to each of our 911 Dispatchers, not just for this week, but for every week. They work behind the console tirelessly 24/7 365 days a year to be that calm voice in the storm, there to answer you on your worst day, daily. The unseen guiding voice on the radios of our first responders. Without our dispatchers, Panola County’s public safety response, whether it be law enforcement, fire, or ambulance, could not happen. So again, Thank you. Today and every other day.

04/11/2026

Individual Assistance Approved for Panola County!

PEARL, Miss. (MEMA) – Governor Tate Reeves’ request for Individual Assistance (FEMA-4899 DR-MS)for counties affected by the January 23-27 severe winter weather has been approved by President Trump. 36 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have been approved for Individual Assistance.

Individual assistance is available to residents in Panola County and can include grants for home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of this disaster.

Residents in the approved counties who sustained losses during the January 23-27 winter weather will be able to apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.

The disaster number is: DR-4899.

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be set up in Panola County where individuals can apply in person. Location will be announced soon.

03/28/2026

🚩Red Flag Warning 🚩

Conditions are not favorable for any burning. While there is currently no county burn ban in place, we ask that you refrain from any burning.

Our fire departments have been extremely busy and having difficulty keeping up with demand.

With dry, windy conditions, even small fires in burn barrels can blow embers and start wildfires that spread rapidly. Don’t throw ci******es out and make sure trailer chains aren’t dragging and causing sparks.

Please watch wind forecast and use common sense when burning.

03/15/2026

Did you know that Panola County has a free app? All sorts of useful information within.

Inside you will find an interactive map that shows all storm shelter locations in the county and which is nearest to you. Select the link below to download and learn disaster prep and get live weather alerts.

https://apps.myocv.com/share/a68738606

03/15/2026

Good morning Panola County. We have been monitoring the threat for today’s weather and here’s what we know:

It’s going to be windy all day. 30-40 mph winds with stronger gust. A line of thunderstorms will be moving into the area this evening (estimate 5pm) that could result in 70+ mph winds, large hail, and possible tornado activity. Tie things down and prepare for possible power outages.

After the storm, temps will drop to below freezing early into tomorrow morning.

Stay updated, stay vigilant, stay safe.

03/11/2026

-ROAD CLOSURE TO OCCUR NEXT WEEK-

There will be a road closure on Tuesday, March 17th on Tocowa Road at the bridge west of Darby Road. The bridge will undergo replacement and will be closed until the project is completed. The is no estimated date of completion at this time. Please plan to use detour route of Jeff Sanders Road to Muggie Hill Road. See attached photo for bridge location.