Hurricane Season Begins June 1 – Get Ready Now

June 1, 2024

WXXV Staff,

ATLANTA – Mississippi is no stranger to the devastating effects of hurricanes, with the state experiencing some of the most intense storms in history, like hurricanes Camille and Katrina.

With the official start of hurricane season approaching, FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency officials urge all Mississippi residents to prepare themselves, their families, and their property now.

“Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem,” said Robert Samaan, FEMA Region 4 Administrator, cautioning against complacency from non-coastal communities. “Heavy rain, wind, floodwaters, and even tornadoes happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to know what threats they face and how best to prepare.”

Forecasts predict a very active season, with global weather patterns and historically high ocean temperatures creating enhanced conditions for tropical development.

“While there are a number of predictions for this year’s hurricane season, all it takes is one storm to bring destruction to our state,” says Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “All Mississippians from the Gulf Coast to north Mississippi should be prepared with a go-kit of food, water, and other needed supplies to last your family for at least 72 hours,”

There are other simple steps Mississippians can take now to get prepared:

Add the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) App to your phone.
Browse the newly-released Hurricane Guide and Preparedness Guidebook for Older Adults from MEMA.
Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather emergency alerts for up to five different locations.
Evacuate if told to do so; Text SHELTER to 43362 to find nearby emergency shelters in case of evacuation

Learn more at Ready.gov May 2024 2 Bottom line: don’t put off your family’s safety – get prepared for hurricane season now! Find more information at Ready.Gov/Hurricanes in English or Ready.Gov/ES/Huracanes in Spanish.