Hurricanes
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.
KEY HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS
Make a Plan
- Establish a primary evacuation route
- Determine where your family will stay during the disaster
- Remember to include pets in your plan
- Establish a way to get in touch with family members
- Have multiple ways to receive the latest weather updates
Pack a Kit
- Water
- Food
- Flashlight
- Portable Radio
- Extra Batteries
- Phone Charger
- First Aid Kit
- Important Documents
- Face Masks
- Hygiene Items
- Cash
Prepare for Power Outages
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed
- Ahead of the storm, keep cell phones charged
- Have alternate plans for refrigerated medicines and/or power-dependent medical devices
- Do not use a gas stove to heat your home
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges
- Use generators outdoors and away from windows
Food in a refrigerator will stay cold for about four hours and a freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours
Saffir-Simpson Scale Breakdown
Category 1: 74-95 mile per hour winds. Power outages could last several days.
Category 2: 96-110 mile per hour winds. Power outages could last several days to weeks.
Category 3: 111-129 mile per hour winds. Power outages could last several days to weeks.
Category 4: 130-156 mile per hour winds. Power outages could last weeks to months.
Category 5: 157+ mile per hour winds. Power outages could last weeks to months.
Watches and Warnings for Tropical Systems
- Watches are issued 48 hours ahead of anticipated onset
- Warnings are issued 36 hours ahead of predicted onset
Storm Surge: Life-threatening inundation from rising water moving on shore.
- Storm Surge Watch: Possibility of life-threatening Storm Surge.
- Storm Surge Warning: A life-threatening storm surge is expected.
Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds ranging from 39 - 73 miles per hour.
- Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected.
Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with sustained winds greater than 74 miles per hour.
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected.
Actions during a Watch:
- Prepare your home
- Review your evacuation plan
- Organize your disaster preparedness kit
- Stay up to date with the weather forecast
Actions during a Warning:
- Finish storm preparations
- Evacuate if directed by local officials
- Make sure your disaster preparedness kit is ready to go
For more preparedness information:
- Mississippi Hurricane Plan
- Family Communication Plan
- Food and Water Safety during Power Outages
- Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
Plan for your pets:
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:
Hurricane Surge Mapping:
The following maps show hurricane surge potential for all three coastal counties.
Hancock County Hurricane Surge Mapping:
Harrison County Hurricane Surge Mapping:
Jackson County Hurricane Surge Mapping:
Other Helpful Links:
Download MEMA's Hurricane Guide
- English: Hurricane Guide
- Spanish: Guía de preparación para Huracanes
- Vietnamese: Hurricane Bảng Hướng Dẫn