SEVERE STORMS EXPECTED TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY
PEARL – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is asking residents to prepare for the possibility of severe storms Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday morning.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service say the primary threats will be damaging winds, tornadoes, hail and heavy rainfall as a strong cold front moves through the state beginning around 10 a.m. on Tuesday and lasting until the early morning hours of Wednesday.
There is an increased risk of tornadoes in the central part of the state. Severe storms could linger in southeast Mississippi through around 4 a.m. Wednesday.
“We need everyone in the state to be very weather aware tomorrow,” said MEMA Executive Director Lee Smithson. “I especially encourage residents of mobile homes to find safe places to go until the weather passes and for travelers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary during the storms.”
It is important to know how to get weather alerts and have a plan for what you will do if severe weather threatens.
Some ways to receive severe weather warnings:
NOAA Weather Radio: 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 Applications.
MEMA’s social media platforms, 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.
The State Emergency Operations Center will monitor the storms as they pass through the state, and release any updates as they become available.
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.
