Mississippi

Where are tornado sirens in Hinds County MS? What residents should know

Published

3 months ago

March 12, 2026

Where are tornado sirens in Hinds County MS? What residents should know

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.

Source link

Click to comment

Mississippi

Political speeches happening at Neshoba County Fair. Here’s the schedule – SuperTalk Mississippi

Published

6 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Political speeches happening at Neshoba County Fair. Here’s the schedule – SuperTalk Mississippi

Mississippi’s most prominent political stage will once again be filled with elected officials and candidates looking to make their case to voters during the 137th annual Neshoba County Fair.

The podium, situated beneath a wooden pavilion in Founder’s Square, gained national attention when Ronald Reagan delivered a speech there during the 1980 presidential campaign. In the decades since, the venue has become a proving ground for candidates seeking office at every level of government, often serving as a launching pad – or stumbling block – for political ambitions.

With the 2026 election cycle featuring congressional midterms, this year’s fair offers challengers a chance to connect with voters while incumbents remain in Washington as Congress conducts business. The event also provides an early look into the 2027 statewide election cycle, giving fairgoers an opportunity to hear from current officeholders who may be considering bids for higher office.

Political speaking is scheduled for the mornings of Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. Invitations are extended to Mississippi’s statewide elected officials, candidates seeking statewide office, and elected officials and candidates who districts include Neshoba County.

Wednesday, June 24

9:30 a.m. — Lane Taylor (R), state senator, District 18
9:40 a.m. — Michael Chiaradino (D), candidate for U.S. House, Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District
9:50 a.m. — Ty Pinkins (Ind.), candidate for U.S. Senate
10 a.m. — Scott Colom (D), candidate for U.S. Senate
10:10 a.m. — Break
10:20 a.m. — David McRae (R), state treasurer
10:30 a.m. — Lynn Fitch (R), attorney general
10:40 a.m. — Delbert Hosemann (R), lieutenant governor

Thursday, June 25

9 a.m. — Scott Bounds (R), state representative, District 44
9:10 a.m. — DeKeither Stamps (D), public service commissioner, Central District
9:20 a.m. — Willie Simmons (D), transportation commissioner, Central District
9:30 a.m. — Jenifer Branning, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 3
9:40 a.m. — Kenny Griffis, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 1
9:50 a.m. — Break
10 a.m. — Andy Gipson (R), commissioner of agriculture and commerce
10:10 a.m. — Michael Watson (R), secretary of state
10:20 a.m. — Jason White (R), speaker of the Mississippi House
10:30 a.m. — Tate Reeves (R), governor

Republican State Auditor Shad White will not attend the fair due to military obligations. White serves as an officer in the Mississippi National Guard.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, both Republicans seeking reelection in 2026, will remain in Washington and not participate in political speaking at the Neshoba County Fair.

Source link

Mississippi

Mississippi non-farm employment reaches record high for May

Published

16 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi non-farm employment reaches record high for May

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Gov. Tate Reeves said Mississippi’s total nonfarm employment reached a new all-time high in May, topping 1.19 million jobs.

The state said the number shows its economic development strategy is working. Workforce leaders said the job market includes opportunities for people who are unemployed or looking for better-paying work.

Workforce leaders point to training options

Blaise King, director of strategy and alignment for Accelerate Mississippi, said job seekers should not let timelines or a lack of skills keep them from pursuing work.

“Not everything has to be a degree. It can be short-term training that can get you into work quickly and making good money,” King said.

King said Mississippi is seeing strong demand for construction jobs, driven in part by new data centers coming to the state. He said those jobs can lead to long-term careers.

“Someone could very easily have a career in the construction trades and move up beyond manual labor to the project manager and things like that to really have a high quality of life for them, for their family, and contribute back to society,” King said.

Advanced manufacturing is also a high-priority occupational sector.

Employers looking for skills and commitment

John McKay, president and CEO of the Mississippi Business Alliance, said opportunities exist across job sectors.

“There’s really no sector where there’s no opportunity,” McKay said.

McKay said companies are willing to invest in workers who show commitment.

“They’re willing to put that money on the line because they are really there. There’s a deep need for skilled people who can come in and kind of be ready on day one, and they’re willing to invest that capital in that,” McKay said.

McKay said soft skills can help job seekers get started.

“I will say that employers are most excited about an individual that has the drive and determination to show up to work every day and put in the effort. And so if your problem is you think you have a lack of skill or education, do not let that be a barrier,” McKay said.

While opportunities exist statewide, unemployment rates show an uneven distribution of economic success. The rates range from a low of 2.5% in Rankin County to a high of 8.8% in Issaquena County.

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.

Source link

Mississippi

11 indicted in $12.3 million Mississippi Medicaid fraud scheme, AG says

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2026

Press Room

11 indicted in .3 million Mississippi Medicaid fraud scheme, AG says

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Eleven people have been indicted in connection with an alleged Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $12.3 million.

This according to Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, who said the indictments involve allegations of fraudulent billing, wire fraud, and/or false documentation seeking to defraud the government.

All 11 charged include:

Isluv Robertson, 36, of Jackson
Shawncee Vassar-Cunningham, 51, of Olive Branch
Katricia Smith, 47, of Olive Branch
Sheila Boney Collins, 53, of Hollandale
Ahyana Nicole Crosby, 34, of Laurel
Angela Nannette Crosby, 51, of Laurel
Yolanda Evette Blackman, 54, of Hattiesburg
Linda Jenkins, 46, of Hermanville
Deja Almore, 30, of Yazoo City
Curtis Moore, 51, of Gulfport
Taylor Christian Rushing, 34, of Gautier

Officials said the defendants are accused of participating in health care fraud schemes involving more than $6.5 billion in intended loss.

“These indictments are just the latest efforts we are taking to fight waste, fraud, and corruption,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I am proud to partner with President Trump to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that money meant to help those in need is not stolen from safety net programs. I will remain laser-focused on rooting out fraud, recovering money wrongfully stolen from hard-working taxpayers, and holding fraudsters accountable.”

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.

Source link