Hurricanes

To view MEMA’s Disaster Guide click here

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and continues through November 30, and a hurricane is one of the most dramatic, damaging and life-altering events that can occur in our state.

The 2021 Hurricane Season was the third most active season with a total of 21 tropical systems; four of those systems were major hurricanes, including Hurricane Ida. The 2020 Hurricane Season was the most active on record with 30 named storms and six major hurricanes.

Hurricane Katrina struck Mississippi on August 29, 2005, taking the lives of 231 citizens, destroying thousands of homes and causing billions of dollars in damage, during the second most active hurricane season on record.

Mississippians should be aware that while the state is better prepared than ever to respond to a hurricane, it is imperative they need to take an active role in improving their ability to prepare for, survive and recover from the impacts of hurricanes by developing a family emergency plan, learning evacuation routes and assembling a three to five-day disaster supply kit that should contain:

Flashlight and battery-powered radio with additional batteries.
Canned and non-perishable food.
Bottled water.
Toiletry items.
Pet food and pet supplies.
Medicine and prescription medication.
Copies of important family papers and documents.
Personal protective equipment

By promoting preparedness information about the dangers to the public’s health and safety that hurricanes pose and helping with relief efforts when these powerful storms strike, we can reduce the loss of life and property and help our neighbors recover more quickly from their devastating effects. With education, preparation, forecasting and coordination, we can save lives and improve Mississippi’s ability to withstand the impact of hurricanes.

Hurricane Preparedness Week: April 30 – May 6, 2023

Build a Disaster Supply Kit

Check out these tips from MEMA employees on how you can save money while preparing your disaster kit.

For more preparedness information:

Plan for your pets:

Pet Preparedness and Evacuation

If a hurricane threatens your area, you should:

Listen to the radio or TV for information.
Secure your home, close storm shutters or board up your windows, secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off propane tanks.
Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies.
Move your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under these conditions:

If you are directed by local authorities to do so, be sure to follow their instructions.
If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure, such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well-fastened to the ground.
If you live in a high-rise building, hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
If you live on the coast, in a floodplain, near a river or on an inland waterway.
If you think you are in danger.

Evacuation Zones:

Harrison County Evacuation Zone Map

Hancock County Evacuation Zone Map

Jackson County Evacuation Zone Map

For specific information on how citizens and businesses can better prepare for the hurricane season, click here.

After the Storm – Recovery Information:

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim

Hurricane Surge Mapping:

The following maps show hurricane surge potential for all three coastal counties.