Twin States Weather Blog

NWS Press Release

Here's a press release from our friends at the NWS in Jackson...

MISSISSIPPIANS URGED TO PREPARE FOR TORNADOES


Jackson – For the last five years, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the National Weather Service, have recognized November as Tornado Awareness Month.



However, this year it is even more important for residents to be prepared for severe weather as our state continues recovery and rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Katrina, said MEMA Director Robert Latham.



“We now have more than 15,000 families in some type of mobile home or travel trailer,” he said. “Our first priority is to make sure these residents are given the information that could very well help save lives.”



MEMA is working with local officials along the Gulf Coast to pre-identify locations that could be opened as shelters if forecasts predict severe weather in those areas, Latham said.



Anyone who lives in a mobile home or other unsubstantial structure should evacuate to a more substantial structure when severe weather threatens. If you are in a substantial structure, such as a brick home or office building, then go to a small interior room during severe weather.



Due to the fact that tornadoes can occur at night, residents are urged to check weather forecasts before going to bed and have a source of receiving weather warnings that will wake them in case severe weather threatens.



For residents who are able to purchase one, a National Oceanic & Atmosphere Administration, or NOAA, weather radios sell for approximately $30 to $70 and sound an alarm when severe weather is approaching. The radios will broadcast severe weather watches and warnings directly from the National Weather Service. The radios can also be programmed for specific counties. For families who do not have a weather radio, or who cannot purchase one, it is recommended they have a battery-powered radio to be able to hear weather watches and warnings.



Some of worst Mississippi November tornadoes in recent years:

Nov. 23-24, 2004: Seventeen tornadoes, five of which were F2 or greater. One person killed in Winston County.
Nov. 10, 2002: Ten tornadoes, two of which were F2 or greater. An F3 tornado caused extensive damage in Columbus, including to the Mississippi University for Women campus. One person was killed in Lowndes County.
Nov. 24, 2001: Nine tornadoes, five of which were F2 or greater including two F4 tornadoes in Bolivar, Madison and Washington counties. A total of five people were killed: two in Madison, two in Sledge, one in Panola County and one in Quitman County.
Other severe weather events in recent years that occurred in fall/winter months:
· Nov. 18, 2003: Severe weather in Hancock, Jasper, Lauderdale, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith & Warren counties, no fatalities reported.
Dec. 19, 2002: Tornado struck Newton County, no fatalities reported.

posted by WTOK Weather Staff @ 11:40 PM