MEMA: Be Aware of Severe Weather Potential Tonight into Friday

PEARL, Miss. (Press Release) — The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is asking residents to be aware of the threat of a severe storms forecast to move through the state late this evening into early Friday morning.

The National Weather Service says a strong cold front will move across the area bringing a limited threat for damaging winds, heavy rains and the possibility of a few tornadoes for the northern half of Mississippi. Other parts of the state could see light to moderate rainfall.

“This system will move through after folks have gone to bed, and we want to make sure they have ways to be alerted,” said MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham. “We had a pretty quiet summer, so it’s important for our citizens to refocus on their severe weather plans as we move through the fall.”

MEMA and the NWS recommend taking the following steps:

— Every home should have a NOAA weather radio, or some other means of receiving severe weather alerts in their home. The weather radio sounds an audible alert when a warning is issued for the immediate area, and can be purchased at many local retailers for less than $40.

— Have a family emergency plan and family communication plan. Every member of your family should know where to go, and how to communicate with each other if there is storm damage in your area.

— Check on at-risk neighbors to ensure they are prepared for severe weather.

— Check and restock your emergency supply kit, in the case that your home is without power for an extended period of time.

— Residents in mobile homes or manufactured housing should consider going to a more substantial structure to wait out the storm.

— If riding in a vehicle, never attempt to outrun a tornado. You should abandon the vehicle and get into a sturdy structure.

In addition to a NOAA weather radio, everyone should monitor their local media for forecast information and updates.

For detailed preparedness information, contact your county emergency management agency or go to MEMA’s website at www.msema.org. The best way to get up-to-date information is to “Like” MEMA on Facebook, or “Follow” us on Twitter.