While damage assessments continue following last week’s severe weather event, Mississippi is already gearing up for another round of storms.
During a Facebook Live session, the National Weather Service outlined the severe weather threat that could see strong thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds up to 80 mph and significant tornadic activity across a large portion of the state on Thursday.
Storms are expected to begin to strengthen in the western portion of the state and move east throughout the day. There is also a marginal threat of severe storms beginning Wednesday night.
Now is the time to develop a safety plan for you and your family in the event of a tornado. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency provides the following advice.
- Go to the lowest level of the home, an inner hallway, or smaller inner room without windows, such as a closet or bathroom.
- Get away from windows and go to the center of the room. Avoid corners, because they tend to attract debris.
- Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table.
Mobile homes are not considered safe during a tornado. Make plans to seek shelter elsewhere.
If you’re in a car:
- Never try to out drive a tornado in your vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction very quickly and can lift a vehicle and toss it in the air
- Get out of the vehicle and take shelter in a nearby building.
- If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the vehicle and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle.
Also, be sure to prepare your emergency kit with the following items:
- Flashlight(s) with extra batteries.
- Portable radio with extra batteries.
- NOAA Weather Radio.
- Non-perishable food for at least 3 days.
- Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day).
- First Aid Kit with prescription medications.
- Bedding and clothing for each family member.
- Blankets and towels.
- Plastic dishes/eating utensils.
- Rain Jackets/pants.
- Sun screen/sunglasses/mosquito repellent.
- Baby supplies (food, diapers, medication).
- Pet supplies (food, leash & carrier, vaccination records).
- Sanitary supplies.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, cleanser, bleach, towelettes, toilet paper, trash bags, feminine hygiene products.
- Copies of important documents.
- Driver license, SS card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, medical records, family pictures, etc.
- Cash, enough to fill up your vehicle with gas and travelers checks.
- Emergency generator.
- Bicycle helmet.
Check out the full briefing from NWS below:
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