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 Tate 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.
Here is the list of this year’s featured topics:
Monday, October 18 Warning Reception Methods
Tuesday, October 19 Severe Thunderstorms
Wednesday, October 20 Tornado Safety – A statewide tornado drill will be conducted at 9:15 AM weather pending
Thursday, October 21 Flash Flooding
Friday, October 22 Snow and Ice
Every day throughout the week, MEMA will share short videos and infographics on each of these topics on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Your National Weather Service offices will also share additional severe weather information. Four National Weather Service offices cover Mississippi: Jackson, Memphis, New Orleans and Mobile. More severe weather preparedness tips can be found on our website: www.msema.org.