Gov. Tate Reeves announced that Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week will begin in Mississippi on Sunday after a large number of storms last year.
In total, Mississippi had 61 confirmed tornadoes, including one EF-4 and two EF-3 tornadoes that touched down during severe storms on March 24. The storm system moved through Rolling Fork and Silver City, claiming 22 lives.
“We've seen how important it is to prepare for severe weather and how having a plan before a disaster strikes can save lives,” Reeves said. “I encourage all Mississippians to review their severe weather preparedness plan, especially as spring approaches.”
At this time, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency plans to partner with the National Weather Service to highlight different types of severe weather and ways to prepare for the upcoming season from February 11-17.
Topics include:
- Sunday – Make a plan
- Monday – Severe thunderstorms
- Tuesday – flash floods
- Wednesday – Tornadoes (statewide tornado craters at 9:15 a.m.)
- Thursday – lightning
- Friday – Alerts and warnings
- Saturday – Mobile Home Safety
Many lives were lost last year due to bad weather. All families should have an action plan when severe weather warnings are issued. “It is important that everyone has multiple ways to receive alerts and have a pre-determined safe place to go,” said MEMA Executive Director Stephen McRaney. “I encourage all Mississippians to use this week to prepare for the upcoming spring severe weather season.”