Governor Tate Reeves has declared October 18-22, 2021, as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. “Mississippi is no stranger to severe weather,” said Governor Reeves. “By preparing in advance of a storm, Mississippians can ensure they stay safe. I encourage you to dedicate time this week to getting your family ready.”
Eighty-two tornadoes were confirmed during 2020 in Mississippi, which was the fifth most on record. Additionally, nearly 25% of all recorded Mississippi tornadoes occur during the State’s secondary severe weather in the fall that typically runs from November through December.
“Mississippi experiences active weather most months of the year, including late fall, which is why it’s important always to be prepared for potential severe weather. We urge residents to get ready for the upcoming secondary severe weather season by checking up on insurance policies, organizing a disaster supply kit and reviewing safety tips with your family,” says MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney.
To promote severe weather preparedness, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Department of Transportation to highlight different types of hazards and ways to prepare ahead of the upcoming secondary severe weather season.
While all severe thunderstorms are dangerous, not all storms are the same. For this reason, the National Weather Service has started using damage threat categories for severe thunderstorm warnings to help better convey potential impacts.
Take some time to review these new thunderstorm warning categories so you're prepared for the upcoming fall severe weather season!
Drivers can find tips on safe driving during severe weather by visiting GoMDOT.com/drivesmart. There you will also find information on how to prepare for hurricanes, tropical systems and winter weather.
A slideshow of tips from the Mississippi Department of Transportation:
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