Mississippi
Where are tornado sirens in Hinds County MS? What residents should know
Listen as a former South Jackson resident describes the Candlestick Park Tornado
Former South Jackson resident Sharon Vines describes the March 3, 1966, Candlestick Park Tornado sixty years ago.
For many Mississippi residents, the first sign of a tornado warning today comes from a smartphone. Wireless emergency alerts, weather apps and social media often notify people about dangerous storms before an outdoor siren ever sounds.
But tornado sirens remain an important warning system in Hinds County — particularly for residents who may not have reliable internet access or smartphones.
A public records request obtained by the Clarion Ledger shows dozens of outdoor warning sirens placed in Hinds County, including locations throughout Jackson and in smaller communities in the county.
County officials say the sirens still serve an important role in making sure residents hear warnings when severe weather approaches.
Technology has changed dramatically since the March 3, 1966, Candlestick Park tornado, one of the deadliest storms in Mississippi history. The storm tore through South Jackson and other parts of central Mississippi, killing 57 people statewide, including 12 at the Candlestick Park shopping center. More recently, a powerful tornado struck the Mississippi Delta town of Rolling Fork in March 2023, killing 17 people and destroying much of the community.
While warning technology has advanced, emergency officials said systems such as outdoor sirens remain an important part of the region’s severe weather preparedness.
Where are the tornado sirens in Hinds County?
Records provided by Hinds County show a total of 74 outdoor warning sirens located throughout the county at parks, intersections, schools and other public areas.
The placements are intended to cover both populated neighborhoods and rural areas where residents may have fewer ways to receive weather alerts.
Why tornado sirens are still needed in Hinds County
Even as phone alerts become more common, county leaders said sirens remain important for residents who may not have reliable internet service or smartphones.
Hinds County Supervisor Robert Graham, who represents District 1, said the county plans to install two additional tornado sirens, though supply chain issues have delayed their arrival.
“We still are planning on doing it,” Graham said. “They’re still on order, and we’re just waiting for them to come in.”
County leaders had hoped to install the sirens before the start of tornado season, but Graham said delivery timelines remain uncertain.
“It’s all dependent upon the supply chain,” he said.
Graham said the county has made progress expanding internet access in recent years, particularly in northern Hinds County. But even with improved connectivity, he believes outdoor sirens remain an important backup warning system.
“A lot of elderly people, a lot of people in the city and outside the city still depend upon that air raid siren,” Graham said.
He said the continued demand becomes clear during the county’s monthly siren tests.
“When they do not go off, my phone will light up like a Christmas tree,” Graham said.
Sirens can also provide warnings when people may not have access to phones or electricity, he said.
“You may or may not have your phone with you,” Graham said. “And if the power is out, you may not be able to charge your phone.”
When is tornado season in Mississippi?
Unlike parts of the Midwest, Mississippi does not have a single, defined tornado season.
“Our main time is March, April and May,” said Michael Hill, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson. “But I like to tell people we have year-round tornadoes.”
Hill said another active period often occurs in the fall and winter months when weather fronts moving across the region combine with warm, moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico. Because Mississippi sits closer to that moisture source than states farther north, the ingredients for severe storms can come together more frequently.
What to do if you hear a tornado siren
Emergency officials say hearing a tornado siren means residents should seek shelter immediately.
“If you hear a tornado siren, you should just take cover,” Hill said.
The safest place during a tornado warning is an interior room on the lowest floor of a building, away from windows and exterior walls.
“If you’re in your house, go to your lowest floor, interior room, bathroom, put as many walls as you can between you and the outside and hunker down safely,” Hill said.
Hill also recommends protecting your head from flying debris, which causes many tornado injuries.
“We like to tell people to wear helmets to protect their heads because a lot of the problems with tornadoes is debris flying,” he said.
Charlie Drape is the Jackson beat reporter. Contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.
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Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 28, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from April 28 drawing
01-03-09-22-31
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from April 28 drawing
Midday: 6-2-9, FB: 8
Evening: 1-1-2, FB: 1
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from April 28 drawing
Midday: 5-0-9-8, FB: 8
Evening: 1-8-8-1, FB: 1
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 28 drawing
Midday: 08
Evening: 15
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Medical marijuana is having a moment in clinical trials
Cannabis has medical promise, but doctors still can’t prescribe it. A Harvard psychiatrist explains why science and policy lag behind.
Federal drug policy is undergoing a major shift. It could affect Mississippi medical marijuana.
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order changing the classification for medical marijuana at the federal level. It affected products that states license for medical use and Food and Drug Administration-approved marijuana products.
On April 23, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order shifting them from the highest level of regulation, Schedule I, to the less restrictive Schedule III.
“This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information,” Blanche said in a statement.
Did Trump legalize marijuana?
No. Weed has not been legalized across the country.
The newest changes only downgrade the penalties if someone has medical marijuana in a way that violates federal law.
Trump also signed an executive order in December easing some federal penalties for recreational use. It did not legalize the drug nationally or override state marijuana laws.
The DOJ will have an expedited hearing on June 29 regarding more broadly reclassifying marijuana. The reclassification push started under former President Joe Biden, and Trump signed an executive action in December.
Weed is still classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, but it would move to Schedule III if the proposed reclassification is finalized.
Do people want marijuana legalized?
About half of all U.S. states have decided to fully legalize weed for adult, non-medical use.
A 2025 Gallup poll survey showed that 64% of Americans wanted weed to be legal.
After Trump signed his December executive order to reclassify marijuana, more than 20 Republican senators, including Mississippi’s Cindy Hyde-Smith, sent Trump a letter saying the drug is “harmful to its users.” They urged him to change his mind.
What does the federal medical marijuana change mean in Mississippi?
Generally, the new shift will make it easier for the medical marijuana industry to operate. Business operators can file business deductions on their federal taxes.
It should also make it easier to do related research.
Is medical marijuana legal in Mississippi?
Yes. Medical marijuana is legal to buy and use through the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
To buy medical marijuana, you must have a medical cannabis card issued by Mississippi. State‑registered doctors can prescribe weed for more than 20 qualifying conditions, including cancer, glaucoma and Parkinson’s disease. Check the list maintained by the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program to see if you qualify.
There are fees for patients and caregivers, as well as additional costs for doctor visits. Health insurance does not cover medical marijuana.
It’s sold at approved dispensaries.
Cardholders may buy no more than 24 Mississippi Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units (MMCEUs) in a 30‑day period and can possess up to 28 MMCEUs at one time.
Can you buy medical marijuana in Mississippi if you live out of state?
Yes. Non-residents can get medical marijuana here with limits.
People who don’t live in Mississippi can apply for temporary medical marijuana cards up to twice a year. Each temporary card is valid for 15 days and requires proof of medical marijuana eligibility in the person’s home state.
Non‑residents may buy up to 6 MMCEUs per week or 12 per 15‑day period.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi does not allow recreational marijuana.
But the state has eased penalties for small amounts. Possession can still lead to fines, jail time or felony charges. It all depends on the situation.
Contributing: Zac Anderson
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
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