Severe Weather Awareness Week

Tornadoes, lightning, damaging winds, hail and flash floods are all severe weather threats that we face in South Mississippi. With spring right around the corner, state leaders have launched a week-long campaign to help residents prepare for potential severe weather threats.
As temperatures begin to climb and humidity returns that can only mean one thing: severe weather season is upon us. Living in South Mississippi means we must prepare for all types of weather including tornadoes. Last year was an active season with 69 tornadoes reported across the state. That’s 39 more than the yearly average for Mississippi.
April is the most dangerous month in Mississippi when it comes to tornadoes. On average, April produces the most twisters in the Magnolia State and it’s important to understand what to do if a tornado threatens your area. If you are under a tornado watch, monitor the weather closely as severe weather is possible, but if a tornado warning is issued for your area, take shelter immediately.
Tornadoes aren’t the only threat to the area. Lightning is known as the underrated killer because on average more people die from lightning nationwide than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Some ways to avoid the dangers of lightning include staying away from open water and beaches and never stand near trees.
Flash flooding kills more people than any other weather hazard. With most of these fatalities resulting when drivers ignore the old saying ‘turn around, don’t drown’ and instead steer their vehicles into flooded or barricaded areas any way. The size of the vehicle doesn’t matter. It only takes two feet of rushing water to carry it away.
In this day and age, you can get the weather information you need right at your fingertips with the WXXV Weather App, through a weather radio, and by tuning into News 25 for the latest update on your weather. It could save your life.