Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
MDOT reminds the public to stay prepared for severe weather
Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week is Oct. 2-7
JACKSON, MISS. – To prepare Mississippians for fall severe weather season, Gov. Tate Reeves has declared Oct. 2-7, 2023, Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi.
“Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews understand the importance of staying prepared for sever weather year-round. We’re encouraging Mississippians to do the same and never let your guard down. Know what actions to take to keep you and your family safe before, during and after severe weather events,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “Advanced warning and increased awareness can help residents survive potentially deadly storms.”
A record-breaking 136 tornadoes touched down in Mississippi in 2022. In the spring of 2023, 50 tornadoes touched down, including an EF-4 tornado in Rolling Fork and an EF-3 tornado in Amory. 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.
During these severe weather events, MDOT crews monitor and respond to issues that arise on state roadways. It is important for Mississippians to be able to receive severe weather alerts in multiple forms. MDOT encourages the public to utilize the resources provided such as the free MDOT Traffic mobile app, MDOTtraffic.com and alerts offered by other agencies.
For detailed preparedness information, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has useful tips and information at msema.org. To further promote severe weather preparedness, MEMA is partnering with the National Weather Service to highlight different hazards next week and ways to prepare for the upcoming secondary severe weather season. Topics include planning (Monday), severe thunderstorms (Tuesday), tornado safety (Wednesday), flash flooding (Thursday), warning reception methods (Friday), and mobile home safety (Saturday).
Local weather information and alerts are available through the National Weather Service online at weather.gov. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away.
MDOT also offers tips for encountering severe weather while on the road:
- Never drive through a flooded area; the water may carry your vehicle or cause it to stall.
- Do not use cruise control when the roads are wet. The distance it takes to stop increases in these conditions.
- If you encounter hail when driving, find shelter for your car.
- If you are in your vehicle during a tornado, seek sturdy shelter or the lowest part of the ground such as a ditch. Never seek shelter under highway overpasses.
- Use your headlights whenever conditions require the use of windshield wipers.
For more information about severe weather preparedness, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.
MageeNews.com is an online news source serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.