Gov. Tate Reeves has declared the week of February 9-15 as Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the Magnolia State.
An array of severe weather systems is known to batter the state specifically in the spring months, with tornadoes playing a leading part. 22 tornadoes touched down in the spring of 2024, including 13 twisters, severe storms, and flooding battering six counties on April 8-11, killing two and causing widespread damage.
The weather preparedness week aims to help Mississippians be ready when they find themselves in the path of severe weather.
“it’s important to be prepared for severe weather, particularly in the spring,” Reeves said. “I encourage every Mississippian to review their severe weather preparedness plan or create one, if they haven’t already. Having a plan in place before a disaster strikes can save lives.”
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), spring is often the most volatile weather season of all. A combination of strong low-pressure systems mixed with temperature fluctuations can quickly spin dangerous storms.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is partnering with the NWS to highlight the different types of severe weather and ways to prepare for the upcoming weather season.
“Severe weather can mean more than tornadoes,” MEMA executive director Stephen McCraney. “Mississippi is prone to damaging wind, hail, flooding, and lightning associated with severe weather. It’s important for everyone to have multiple ways to receive alerts and have a pre-identified safe place to go. I encourage all Mississippians to use this week to prepare for the upcoming spring severe weather season.”
MEMA will release information resources each day of the Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Below is the topic schedule:
- Sunday, February 9 – Make A Plan
- Monday, February 10 – Severe Thunderstorms
- Tuesday, February 11 – Flash Flooding
- Wednesday, February 12 – Tornadoes (Statewide tornado drill at 9:15 a.m.)
- Thursday, February 13 – Lightning
- Friday, February 14 – Alerts and Warnings
- Saturday, February 15 – Mobile Home Safety
More severe weather preparedness tips can be found here.