Potential for Severe Tornadoes in Mississippi on Saturday

Severe storms are approaching Mississippi on Saturday, and forecasters predict a strong chance of tornadoes, hail, and destructive winds throughout most of the Magnolia State tomorrow, continuing into the night.

Emergency management services are cautioning Mississippians to prepare for power outages as the storms sweep through the state.

According to The Weather Channel, central Mississippi, including Jackson and the surrounding area, is expected to face the highest risk of severe tornadoes. This threat is projected to move eastward through the state and potentially affect the eastern seaboard until Sunday.

According to a recent update from the National Weather Service, it is currently challenging to determine the exact timing of the most severe weather.

The extensive nature of this weather event has made it difficult to make accurate predictions. The National Weather Service further explained that multiple rounds of severe weather are expected, with a larger window and longer duration.

Malary White, the chief communications officer of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, shared a statement with the Mississippi Free Press on behalf of the agency.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is prepared and ready to respond alongside local emergency managers in the event of any emergencies.

It is crucial for all residents to remain vigilant and stay updated on the weather conditions this Saturday. To ensure you receive timely weather alerts, we encourage you to download the MEMA App, which is available for free. Additionally, it is important to take the necessary steps to prepare your home and family for potential power outages.

December, although not typically associated with tornado season, has historically experienced severe tornado outbreaks. In 2021, a devastating outbreak of 71 tornadoes occurred in the northern part of Mississippi, resulting in the tragic loss of 89 lives and leaving hundreds injured.

Here are some tips provided by MEMA to help you stay safe during tornadoes:

– Stay informed: Stay updated on weather conditions through local news, weather alerts, or a weather radio.
– Have a plan: Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated safe area in your home and a meeting place outside.
– Prepare an emergency kit: Keep essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a portable phone charger in your kit.
– Secure your home: Reinforce doors, windows, and garage doors. Clear your yard of any loose items that could become projectiles during strong winds.
– Seek shelter: If a tornado warning is issued, go to your designated safe area immediately. Stay away from windows and seek shelter in a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest level of your home.
– Stay connected: Keep your phone charged and have a backup power source. Use social media or text messaging to communicate with loved ones if phone lines are down.
– Stay vigilant: Stay alert and listen for updates and instructions from local authorities. Be prepared to take immediate action if necessary.

Remember, always prioritize your safety during severe weather events like tornadoes.

If you find yourself at home during a tornado, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some important steps to follow:

1. Seek Shelter: Move to the lowest level of your home, preferably a basement or storm cellar. If you don’t have access to a basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet. Stay away from windows and exterior walls.

2. Cover Yourself: Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a heavy table or workbench, to protect yourself from falling debris. If that’s not possible, crouch down and cover your head and neck with your arms.

3. Stay Informed: Keep a battery-powered weather radio or a smartphone with a reliable weather app nearby to stay updated on the tornado’s progress. Listen for tornado warnings and follow any instructions given by local authorities.

4. Use Protective Measures: If you have time, grab a mattress or cushions to shield yourself from flying debris. You can also put on a bicycle helmet or any head protection to reduce the risk of head injuries.

5. Stay Put: Once you are in a safe spot, stay there until the tornado has passed and you have received an all-clear from local authorities. Do not venture outside until it’s deemed safe to do so.

Remember, your safety should always be your top priority during a tornado. By being prepared and taking the necessary precautions, you can minimize the risks and increase your chances of staying safe.

• • Go to the lowest level of the home, an inner hallway, or smaller inner room without windows, such as a closet or bathroom.
  • Get away from windows and go to the center of the room. Avoid corners, because they tend to attract debris.
  • Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table.

If you find yourself living in a mobile home, there are a few important things to consider. First and foremost, it’s crucial to ensure that your home is safe and secure.

This means taking steps to protect against potential hazards such as fires or break-ins. Installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as sturdy locks on doors and windows, can go a long way in providing peace of mind.

In addition to safety measures, it’s also important to make your mobile home comfortable and inviting. This can be achieved through simple changes such as adding curtains or blinds to windows, investing in comfortable furniture, and adding personal touches like artwork or photographs.

Creating a cozy and welcoming space will make your mobile home feel more like a permanent residence.

Furthermore, maintaining the exterior of your mobile home is essential for both aesthetics and functionality.

Regularly inspecting the roof, siding, and skirting for any signs of damage or wear can help prevent larger, more costly issues down the line. Keeping the exterior clean and well-maintained can also improve the overall appearance of your home.

Finally, it’s important to be aware of any rules or regulations that may apply to mobile home living. This could include restrictions on modifications or additions to your home, as well as guidelines for parking or community living.

Familiarizing yourself with these rules can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in your mobile home.

Overall, living in a mobile home can offer a unique and affordable housing option. By prioritizing safety, comfort, and maintenance, you can create a space that feels like home.

• • Evacuate the mobile home, even if it is equipped with tie-downs. Take shelter in a building with a strong foundation, or if one is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the mobile home. Tornadoes cannot change elevation quickly enough to pick someone up out of a ditch, especially a deep ditch or culvert.

If you find yourself at work or school

• • Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level of the building.
  • Avoid places with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

• • If possible, get inside a sturdy building with a concrete foundation.
  • If shelter is not available, or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
  • Be aware of the potential for flooding.

If you find yourself in a vehicle, here are some things you can do to ensure your safety.

• • Never try to out drive a tornado in your vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction very quickly and can lift a vehicle and toss it in the air.
  • Get out of the vehicle and take shelter in a nearby building.
  • If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the vehicle and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle.

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