MDOT urges public to prepare for severe weather

In recognition of Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is sharing information and tips on how you can protect yourself from the potential dangers of severe weather.

“By staying informed, having a plan and being ready to take action, we empower ourselves to face the challenges of severe weather,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “Spring storms can be unpredictable, which is why we must keep our guard up and be proactive to ensure the safety of our communities.”

MDOT crews understand whether it is flash flooding, tornadoes or thunderstorms with dangerous, high-speed winds, severe weather can develop quickly in our state. During severe weather events, these 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 resources such as the free MDOT Traffic mobile app, MDOTtraffic.com as well as alerts offered by other agencies, as well as the WXXV Weather app or the WXXV website.

For detailed preparedness information, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has useful tips and information at msema.org. Local weather information and alerts are available through the National Weather Service at weather.gov. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away.

Throughout Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week, MEMA and the NWS will focus on different storm-related topics daily, including making a plan (Sunday), severe thunderstorms (Monday), flash flooding (Tuesday), tornadoes (Wednesday), lightning (Thursday), alerts and warning reception (Friday) and mobile home safety (Saturday).

MDOT offers the following tips for encountering severe weather while on the road:

1. Never drive through a flooded area; the water may carry your vehicle or cause it to stall.
2. Do not use cruise control when the roads are wet. The distance it takes to stop increases in these conditions.
3. If you encounter hail when driving, find shelter for your car.
4. 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.
5. Use your headlights whenever conditions require the use of windshield wipers.