Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

10/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2024 07:10

Governor Reeves Declares October 7-12, 2024, Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week

PEARL, Miss. (MEMA) - Governor Tate Reeves has declared October 7-12, 2024, Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi.

While the Spring is the most active time for tornadoes, Mississippi usually sees significant storms during this secondary severe weather season from November through December. The State of Mississippi experienced a total of sixty-one tornadoes in 2023, 11 of which occurred in the months of November and December.

"Mississippi has seen its share of severe weather during the fall months," said Governor Tate Reeves. "The key to being ready to weather those storms is preparation. I encourage Mississippians to take some time this week to learn how to better prepare for when severe weather strikes."

"We urge residents to prepare for the upcoming secondary severe weather season. Make sure you are ready by checking insurance policies, building a disaster supply kit, and reviewing emergency plans 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 to highlight different hazards and ways to prepare for the upcoming secondary severe weather season.

Here is the list of this year's featured topics:

Monday, October 7 Make a Plan
Tuesday, October 8 Severe Thunderstorms
Wednesday, October 9 Tornado Safety - (A statewide tornado drill will be conducted at 9:15 AM weather pending)
Thursday, October 10 Flash Flooding
Friday, October 11 Warning Reception Methods
Saturday, October 12 Mobile Home Safety

Each day of the week, MEMA will share messaging on these topics on our Facebook and X 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.

A copy of the Governor's proclamation can be found here. More severe weather preparedness tips can be found on our website: www.msema.org.

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