MDOT Supports Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) joins the National Weather Service (NWS), Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and local emergency managers in promoting Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week to help Mississippians protect themselves from tornadoes, lightning, damaging winds, hail, flash floods and winter weather. While severe weather commonly occurs during the spring months in Mississippi, there is another severe weather season in the fall.
It is important for the residents of Mississippi to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and to have a plan in place ahead of time should severe weather occur. Each day of Mississippi Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week focuses on a specific type of severe weather.
- Monday, October 24 will discuss severe thunderstorms. Lightning, large hail and damaging winds from severe thunderstorms are much more frequent than tornadoes in the South. When thunder roars, go indoors!
- Tuesday, October 25 will draw attention to hazards of flooding and flash floods. Flooding is the number one cause of weather-related fatalities behind heat. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Wednesday, October 26 will emphasize tornado safety. Repeatedly, people survive tornadoes by knowing weather safety rules and by taking appropriate and timely action. A statewide tornado drill will be conducted at 9:15 a.m. Schools, businesses and other agencies are encouraged to participate with the goal of helping everyone learn lifesaving rules. Thursday will be the alternate drill day if adverse weather is expected on Wednesday.
- Thursday, October 27 will focus on snow and ice. Snow and ice are still a potential threat during the fall season. These freezing conditions can strand motorists, close bridges and airports and disrupt emergency and medical services.
- Friday, October 28 will focus on extreme cold and wind chill. Know what they are and how to prepare and protect yourself and your home.
Prepare in advance, stay informed and know what actions to take to keep you and your family safe before, during and after severe weather occurs. To learn more about Mississippi Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week, visit http://ow.ly/6Rzb305jagr.
For information on preparing for winter weather visit GoMDOT.com/winter and sign up for weather alerts on MDOTTraffic.com when you create an account!
