Gov. Tate Reeves has declared Oct. 6-11 as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi, urging residents to get ready for any natural disaster that might take place over the next three months.
While spring is the most active time of the year for tornadoes, the state saw 54 tornadoes during the months of November and December in 2024. The Atlantic hurricane season also goes through Nov. 30, adding to the possibility of severe weather.
“Mississippi has experienced significant severe weather during the fall months,” Reeves said in a press release. “The key to being prepared for these storms is taking proactive steps. I encourage all Mississippians to spend some time this week learning how to better prepare for severe weather.”
As part of the preparations, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to check their insurance policies, assemble disaster supply kits including food, water, and other key items, and have emergency plans in place. Tips on how to prepare can be found here.
To promote severe weather preparedness, MEMA is partnering with the National Weather Service during Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week to highlight different hazards and ways to prepare for the upcoming secondary severe weather season.
The schedule of programming that will be shared on MEMA’s social media and website will include:
- Monday, Oct. 6: Make a Plan
- Tuesday, Oct. 7: Severe Thunderstorms
- Wednesday, Oct. 8: Tornado Safety
- Thursday, Oct. 9: Flash Flooding
- Friday, Oct. 10: Warning Reception Methods
- Saturday, Oct. 11: Mobile Home Safety
A statewide tornado drill will also be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 9:15 a.m.
