Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews understand whether it takes the form of tornadoes, thunderstorms or flash floods, severe weather can develop quickly and often in our state.
For detailed preparedness information, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has useful tips and information at msema.org. Throughout Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week, MEMA officials will focus on different storm-related topics, including severe thunderstorms (Monday), flash flooding (Tuesday), tornadoes (Wednesday), lightning (Thursday), alerts and warning reception (Friday) and mobile home safety (Saturday).
Local weather information and alerts are available through the National Weather Service online at weather.gov If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away.
MDOT also offers tips for encountering severe weather while on the road:
• Never drive through a flooded area; the water may carry your vehicle or cause it to stall.
• Do not use cruise control when the roads are wet. The distance it takes to stop increases in these conditions.
• If you encounter hail when driving, find shelter for your car.
• If you are in your vehicle during a tornado, seek sturdy shelter or the lowest part of the ground such as a ditch. Never seek shelter under highway overpasses.
• Use your headlights whenever conditions require the use of windshield wipers.
