Gov. Bryant Declares Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week

The National Weather Service will issue a statewide test tornado warning on N.O.A.A. weather radios at 9:15 on Wednesday, Oct. 29th, 2014. Schools, government agencies, and businesses throughout the state are encouraged to participate in the tornado drill.

“It’s extremely important for you to have a plan well in advance of severe weather entering the state,” Gov. Bryant said. “This year, we have unfortunately been reminded of the damage that severe weather can cause in a very short time. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to be prepared and to have a N.O.A.A. weather radio that can alert you to approaching danger.”

November is the second highest month for tornadoes in Mississippi according to N.W.S. data. Severe storms are commonplace this time of year as we shift from warm to colder weather. Being prepared for thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding and winter weather is essential.

“We saw one of the coldest winters in recent memory last year that brought ice as far down as the Gulf Coast,” said M.E.M.A. Executive Director, Robert Latham. “Our citizens need to think now about how they will prepare and respond to whatever weather comes our way. Surveys conducted after some of our worst weather-related disasters indicate that when citizens are prepared and take the precautions necessary, their lives can be saved.”

There are several ways to receive severe weather warnings, like a N.O.A.A. weather radio, or one of several applications on mobile devices. A number of free mobile applications are available for download on smart phones, which can alert you when a watch or warning is issued for your area.

"N.W.S. watches and warnings continue to become more accurate and dependable,” said Jackson N.W.S. Meteorologist in Charge, Alan Gerard. “However, if people don’t have a way to receive the warning, and know what actions to take to protect themselves and their families, they can’t serve their purpose, which is to save lives.”

M.E.M.A. and the N.W.S. will have a different severe weather preparedness message every day this week on their websites and social media platforms.

Local weather information and alerts are available through the N.W.S. online at the following websites:

•Central Mississippi counties: www.srh.noaa.gov/jan.
•Coastal Mississippi counties: www.srh.noaa.gov/mob or www.srh.noaa.gov/lix.
•Northern Mississippi counties: www.srh.noaa.gov/meg.

For detailed preparedness information, contact your county emergency management agency, or go to M.E.M.A.’s website at www.msema.org. The best way to get up-to-date information is to like M.E.M.A. on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.