MS weather: Gov. Reeves declares Feb. 11-17 as Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Pam Dankins, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday that Feb. 11-17 will be "Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week" for Mississippi, according to a Mississippi Emergency Management Agency press release.

According to the news release and the order, the state had 61 confirmed tornadoes last year. Eighteen of those, including a March 24 storm, occurred between March and May of 2023.

On March 24, 2023, deadly tornadoes tore through the state overnight, killing at least 25 and injuring dozens. The fatalities were reported in the following counties: Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll and Monroe.

Multiple state agencies and non-profit organizations assisted in the response and recovery efforts of impacted communities.

"We have seen just how important it is to prepare for severe weather and how having a plan before a disaster can be lifesaving," Reeves said in the news release. "I encourage all Mississippians to review their severe weather preparedness plan, especially as we approach Spring."

March 25, 2023/Clarion Ledger file photo — Vehicles slowly pass through the intersection of Locus Street and Robert Morganfield Way in Rolling Fork, Miss., Saturday, March 25, 2023, after a tornado cut through the small Delta town Friday night.
March 25, 2023/Clarion Ledger file photo — Vehicles slowly pass through the intersection of Locus Street and Robert Morganfield Way in Rolling Fork, Miss., Saturday, March 25, 2023, after a tornado cut through the small Delta town Friday night.

Below are topics for preparedness week:

  • Sunday, Feb. 11: Make a Plan

  • Monday, Feb. 12: Severe Thunderstorms

  • Tuesday, Feb. 13: Flash Flooding

  • Wednesday, Feb. 14: Tornadoes (Statewide Tornado Drill at 9:15 am)

  • Thursday, Feb. 15: Lightning

  • Friday, Feb. 16: Alerts and Warnings

  • Saturday: Feb. 17: Mobile Home Safety

Gov. Tate Reeves speaks at a press conference following Friday's deadly tornado in Rolling Fork, Miss., Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Gov. Tate Reeves speaks at a press conference following Friday's deadly tornado in Rolling Fork, Miss., Sunday, March 26, 2023.

PHOTOS: Tornado devastates Silver City

MEMA said the agency is partnering with the National Weather Service to highlight different types of severe weather and ways to prepare for the upcoming spring severe weather season. The agency is also urging all Mississippians to have a disaster supply kit stocked with food and water year-round and be aware of a safe place in your area to seek shelter if need be.

"So many lives were lost last year due to severe weather," said Stephen McCraney, executive director of MEMA. "All families should have a plan of action when severe weather warnings are issued. It's important for everyone to have multiple ways to receive alerts and have a pre-identified safe place to go. I encourage all Mississippians to use this week to prepare for the upcoming spring severe weather season."

PHOTOS: Mississippi tornado in Amory leaves damage in its wake. Here are the photos

Keep up with Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week by visiting MEMA’s Facebook and Twitter pages and MEMA’s YouTube page. Your local National Weather Service offices will also share additional severe weather information. Four National Weather Service offices cover Mississippi: Jackson, Memphis, New Orleans, and Mobile.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week