The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is advising residents to take caution as severe storms may impact Mississippi today and Wednesday.
National Weather Service meteorologists have indicated the storms will be capable of brining damaging winds, tornadoes and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding.
A flash flood watch has been issued for 77 counties in Mississippi, including Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay and Noxubee. Heavy rainfall of 2-4 inches, with higher amounts in some areas, is possible, which could cause flash flooding. High winds could bring down trees and power lines.
In the Golden Triangle, high winds are expected most of today, with rain expected to begin around midnight. Heavy rain is expected in the area around 5 a.m. Wednesday.
MEMA warns residents to never approach downed power lines and to always treat them as active.
The storms should begin moving through parts of Mississippi Tuesday afternoon and into the overnight hours into Wednesday. Many weather-related deaths and injuries occur after people go to bed, so it’s important to know how to get a severe weather alert after going to bed.
“Mississippi is no stranger to severe weather in November,” said MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham. “The most important thing you can do is know how you will receive an alert of severe weather in your area, and how you will respond to it. If you encounter a flooded roadway, remember ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown.’ Take the time now to discuss your family’s plan with every member of your family.”
A variety of options are available to be alerted about severe weather warning, including: NOAA weather radios, wireless emergency alert messages on smartphones, smartphone apps, social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, local radio and TV stations and tornado sirens.
MEMA and the NWS recommend residents know a family emergency plan in case a weather warning is issued and to check and restock emergency supply kits in case you must go without electricity for an extended time.
The State Emergency Operations Center will monitor Tuesday and Wednesday’s storms as they pass through the state and release updates as they become available.
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