JACKSON, MISS. – To prepare Mississippians for fall severe weather season, Gov. Tate Reeves has declared Oct. 6-11, 2025, as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) joins the National Weather Service and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in recognizing Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week to provide life-saving information when severe weather threatens.
“Spring is associated with severe weather in the south, however Mississippi usually sees significant storms during the secondary severe weather season that occurs during the fall,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “MDOT crews understand the importance of staying prepared for severe weather year-round. We’re encouraging Mississippians to do the same and never let your guard down. You can prepare by knowing what actions to take and where to get information to keep your family safe during severe weather events.”
Mississippi experienced a total of 85 tornadoes in 2024, 53 of which occurred in November and December. Once a tornado approaches or flood waters rise, it is too late to start working on a preparedness plan. Severe weather watches and warnings are ineffective if the public does not receive the message or does not know the safety procedures to follow.
For detailed preparedness information, 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.
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.
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.
