Storm & Outage Center
Governor Reeves declared February 20 to 25, 2023, as Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. To help you stay weather ready, we've compiled safety tips for the different types of severe weather, along with information on the ways the National Weather Service provides weather warnings.
Thunderstorm Safety
While severe thunderstorms can occur any month of the year, the peak Severe Weather Season is during the spring months of March, April and May. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means either a severe thunderstorm is occurring, is detected by National Weather Service Doppler Radar or a reliable report has been received. Across the region, severe thunderstorms typically occur during the late afternoon and evening hours but can develop at any time.
Flash Flood Safety
Flash floods occur suddenly and can sweep away whatever is in their path. Their strength can be surprising – it only takes 12 inches of water to carry away a car. During periods of heavy rain, stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches and culverts. If you come across a flooded area, remember: "Turn around, don't drown!"
Tornado Safety
In 2022, 89 tornadoes were confirmed in Mississippi during March and April, more than throughout all of 2021 combined. Last year had the most active March on record, going back to 1950. Be sure that you know the difference between a Tornado Watch and Warning.
- A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
- A Tornado Warning means that a developing tornado has been detected by National Weather Service Doppler Radar or has been reported on the ground by reliable sources. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your county, you should seek shelter immediately.
Lightning Safety
There were 19 lightning-related fatalities in the U.S. last year. Never leave yourself out in the open when a thunderstorm occurs. Find a safe shelter, whether it's a home, office or hard-top vehicle with the windows rolled up. Remember: “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”
Warning Reception
The National Weather Service can issue weather warnings to citizens in a number of ways. A NOAA Weather Radio provides continuously updated weather information, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. A special radio capable of receiving signals is required. This information includes forecasts, warnings, and current conditions. Tornado sirens are for outdoor purposes and are not meant to be heard indoors. Hearing a siren is a signal to go indoors and seek more weather information. The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) is a system that provides free notifications to citizens. When the National Weather Service issues weather warnings, cell towers will broadcast the alert to cell users in the threat area.
Staying weather ready is important year-round. With spring just around the corner, use this week to ensure you have a safety plan in place and have a way to be notified if severe weather arises. Additional safety prep tips are available in our Storm & Outage Center.