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October 12-17, 2026 is Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. The National Weather Service, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and other supporting organizations ask for your help in providing the public with information about severe weather safety. Advanced planning and increased awareness will help residents of Mississippi survive these deadly storms.

Severe weather watches and warnings are ineffective if the public does not receive the message or is not knowledgeable of 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 flooding develops, 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. Preparing for severe weather is the theme of this program.

 

Mississippi Fall 2026 Severe Weather Preparedness Week Schedule
 

Monday October 12th - Make a Plan

 

Tuesday October 13th - Severe Thunderstorms

 

Wednesday October 14th - Tornado Safety

 

Thursday October 15th - Flash Flooding

 

Friday October 16th - Warning Reception Methods

 

Saturday October 17th - Mobile & Manufactured Home Safety

 

 

 
So how does one prepare for severe weather? For a severe weather preparedness plan to be successful, it must include the following:

  • knowledge of terminology such as watches and warnings,
  • a thorough knowledge of safety rules to follow when severe weather strikes,
  • a reliable method of receiving emergency information,
  • the designation of an appropriate shelter,
  • and drills to test the plan.

 

Additional Information

You are invited to contact the National Weather Service for interviews, information, or answers to any questions you may have. In many instances, we are also able to present severe weather awareness programs to civic and industrial organizations, schools, amateur radio clubs, and hospital staffs.

For more information, contact any of the following:

  • National Weather Service Office Jackson, MS
    601-936-2189
  • National Weather Service Office Memphis, TN
    901-544-0405
  • National Weather Service Office Mobile, AL
    251-633-6443
  • National Weather Service Office: New Orleans/Baton Rouge, LA
    985-645-0899
  • Mississippi Emergency Management Agency External Affairs
    601-933-6841