PEARL, Miss. – Governor Tate Reeves has proclaimed October 12-17, 2026, as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi, encouraging residents to take steps now to prepare for the state’s secondary severe weather season.
While spring is typically Mississippi’s most active season for tornadoes, the state can experience significant severe weather from October through December. Mississippi recorded 80 tornadoes in 2025, including seven during the October-through-December period.
“Fall weather can bring severe storms to Mississippi,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Residents need to be prepared before severe weather strikes. I encourage all Mississippians to use this week to review their emergency plans, know where they will go for safety and make sure their families are prepared to respond when severe weather threatens.”
“MEMA encourages all residents to get ready for the upcoming fall severe weather season,” said MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “Take time to review your insurance policies, assemble or update your disaster supply kit, and discuss your emergency plans with your family. Knowing what to do before severe weather occurs can make all the difference.”
To promote severe weather preparedness, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the National Weather Service to highlight different severe weather hazards and provide practical information to help Mississippians prepare.
Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week
- Monday, October 12: Make a Plan
- Tuesday, October 13: Severe Thunderstorms
- Wednesday, October 14: Tornado Safety
- Thursday, October 15: Flash Flooding
- Friday, October 16: Warning Reception Methods
- Saturday, October 17: Mobile and Manufactured Home Safety
Each day during Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week, MEMA will share preparedness information and safety tips on its Facebook and X pages. National Weather Service offices will also provide additional severe weather preparedness information.
Mississippians are encouraged to use Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week as an opportunity to:
- Review their emergency plans.
- Identify a safe place to shelter.
- Make sure they can receive weather warnings.
- Assemble or update an emergency supply kit.
- Review insurance policies and important documents.
- Discuss emergency plans with family members.
A copy of the Governor’s proclamation can be found here.
For additional severe weather preparedness information, visit www.msema.org.