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October 7-12, 2024 is Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. The National Weather Service, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and other supporting organizations ask for your help in providing the public with information about severe weather safety. Advanced planning and increased awareness will help residents of Mississippi survive these deadly storms.

Severe weather watches and warnings are ineffective if the public does not receive the message or is not knowledgeable of the safety procedures to follow. The purpose of Mississippi Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week is to provide people with the knowledge necessary to protect their lives when severe weather threatens, especially during the fall and winter months.

Whether in the form of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flash floods, severe weather can develop very quickly. Once a tornado approaches, or flooding develops, it is too late to start working on a preparedness plan. When severe weather develops, and warnings are issued, we must take immediate action to protect ourselves. Preparing for severe weather is the theme of this program.

 

Mississippi Fall 2024 Severe Weather Preparedness Week Schedule
 

Monday October 7th - Make a Plan

 

Tuesday October 8th - Severe Thunderstorms

 

Wednesday October 9th - Tornado Safety (9:15 AM Statewide Tornado Drill)

 

Thursday October 10th - Flash Flooding

 

Friday October 11th - Warning Reception Methods

 

Saturday October 12th - Mobile & Manufactured Home Safety

 

 

 
So how does one prepare for severe weather? For a severe weather preparedness plan to be successful, it must include the following:

  • knowledge of terminology such as watches and warnings,
  • a thorough knowledge of safety rules to follow when severe weather strikes,
  • a reliable method of receiving emergency information,
  • the designation of an appropriate shelter,
  • and drills to test the plan.

Tornado Drill on Wednesday, October 9th.

This will be conducted at 9:15 am, using the Routine Weekly Test through NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards. We strongly encourage local emergency managers, school officials, businesses, and home owners to participate in this drill. The best way to learn what to do when severe weather approaches is to practice when the weather is not threatening.

 

Additional Information

Here are a couple of links to helpful information: Mississippi Tornado Statistics and NOAA Weather Radio

You are also invited to contact the National Weather Service for interviews, information, or answers to any questions you may have. In many instances, we are also able to present severe weather awareness programs to civic and industrial organizations, schools, amateur radio clubs, and hospital staffs.

For more information, contact any of the following:

  • Michael Hill, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
    National Weather Service Office: Jackson, MS
    601-936-2189
  • Todd Beal, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
    National Weather Service Office: Memphis, TN
    901-544-0405 ext. 223
  • Jessica Chace, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
    National Weather Service Office: Mobile, AL
    251-633-6443 ext. 223
  • Lauren Nash, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
    National Weather Service Office: New Orleans/Baton Rouge, LA
    985-645-0899
  • Malary White
    Mississippi Emergency Management Agency External Affairs
    601-933-6841