‘Strong Tornadoes Possible’ Across Mississippi Saturday

Severe storms are headed for Mississippi Saturday, with forecasts estimating a high likelihood of tornadoes, hail and damaging winds across most of the Magnolia State tomorrow, lasting into the night. Emergency management services are warning Mississippians to expect power outages as storms batter the state.

The Weather Channel predicts that the greatest threat of strong tornadoes faces central Mississippi, including Jackson and the surrounding area, passing east through the state and toward the eastern seaboard into Sunday.

Presently, the precise timing for when the most severe weather is expected is not available. A National Weather Service update from this afternoon explained that the breadth of the severe weather made such a prediction difficult. “This event will likely (include) multiple rounds of severe weather … will likely have a larger window to see severe weather, and will have a longer duration,” NWS explained. 

Malary White, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency chief communications officer, provided the Mississippi Free Press with a statement from the agency.

“(MEMA) is on standby and ready to respond with local emergency managers if the need arises. In the meantime, we urge all residents to stay weather aware Saturday. Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts by downloading the free MEMA App and prepare your home and family for potential power outages.”

December, though not traditionally considered a part of tornado season, has generated severe tornado outbreaks in the past. In 2021, an outbreak of 71 tornadoes centered just north of Mississippi killed 89 people and injured hundreds more.

The following is a list of tips MEMA provides for staying safe amid tornadoes:

What to Do if You Are in Your Home During a Tornado

• 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 Are in a Mobile 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 Are 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 Outdoors

• 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 Are in a Vehicle

• 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.

Related