JACKSON, MISS. – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is joining other state agencies in recognizing Oct. 7-12, 2024, as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
Severe weather watches and warnings are ineffective if the public does not receive the message or does not know the safety procedures to follow. The purpose of Mississippi Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week is to provide people with the knowledge necessary to protect their lives when severe weather threatens, especially during the fall and winter months.
Whether in the form of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes or flash floods, severe weather can develop very quickly. Once a tornado approaches, or flood waters rise, it is too late to start working on a preparedness plan. When severe weather develops, and warnings are issued, we must take immediate action to protect ourselves.
“MDOT crews prepare for severe weather by sharpening chainsaw blades and gassing up trucks and other equipment. You can prepare by knowing what actions to take and where to get information to keep your family safe during severe weather events,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “That is why we are reminding Mississippians not to let your guard down when it comes to severe weather preparedness. It is also a good idea to check in with family members, friends and neighbors to ensure they are aware of all available resources.”
It is important for Mississippians to be able to receive severe weather alerts in multiple forms. MDOT encourages the public to utilize traffic resources such as the free MDOT Traffic mobile app, MDOTtraffic.com and alerts offered by other agencies. You can also follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
For detailed preparedness information, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has useful tips and information at msema.org. Local weather information and alerts are available through the National Weather Service online at weather.gov. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away.
MDOT also offers tips for encountering severe weather while on the road:
- Never drive through a flooded area; the water may carry your vehicle or cause it to stall.
- Do not use cruise control when the roads are wet. The distance it takes to stop increases in these conditions.
- If you encounter hail when driving, find shelter for your car.
- 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.
- Use your headlights whenever conditions require the use of windshield wipers.
For more information about severe weather preparedness, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.
