SEVERE WEATHER EXPECTED TO IMPACT MISSISSIPPI TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY
PEARL – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is asking residents to prepare for severe storms that are possible for Mississippi Tuesday into Wednesday.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center say the storms will be capable of producing severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, tornadoes and heavy rainfall causing flash flooding.
A flash flood watch has been issued for 77 counties in Mississippi. Heavy rainfall of two to four inches, with higher amounts in some areas, is possible which could cause flash flooding. High winds could bring down trees and powerlines. Never approach downed powerlines, and always treat them as active.
“Mississippi is no stranger to severe weather in November,” said MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham. “The most important thing you can do is know how you will receive an alert of severe weather in your area, and how you will respond to it. If you encounter a flooded roadway, remember ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown.’ Take the time now to discuss your family’s plan with every member of your family.”
The storms will begin moving through parts of Mississippi Tuesday afternoon, and will continue into the overnight hours. Many weather related deaths and injuries occur after people have gone to bed, so it is important to know how you will get an alert of severe weather in your area after you have gone to bed.
There are many ways you can be alerted to severe weather warnings:
NOAA weather radios: An essential tool that should be in every home or business.
Wireless Emergency Alert Messages: Make sure these notifications are turned “on” in your phone settings.
Smartphone Apps.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Local radio and TV stations.
Community tornado sirens.
MEMA and the NWS both recommend you take the following steps:
Know your family emergency plan in case a weather warning is issued.
Check and restock your emergency supply kit in case you are without electricity for an extended period of time.
MEMA, the NWS and counties participated in conference calls this afternoon to ensure all agencies have the most up-to-date information. The State Emergency Operations Center will monitor the storms as they pass through the state, and release updates as they become available.
According to the NWS, Mississippi has seen 231 tornadoes in the month of November since 1950, making it the third most active month for tornadoes, behind April (365) and March (232).
For detailed preparedness information, contact your county emergency management agency or go to MEMA’s website at www.msema.org. The best way to get up-to-date information is to “Like” MEMA on Facebook or “Follow” us on Twitter.
