Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday that Feb. 11-17 will be “Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week” for Mississippi, according to a Mississippi Emergency Management Agency press release.
According to the news release and the order, the state had 61 confirmed tornadoes last year. Eighteen of those, including a March 24 storm, occurred between March and May of 2023.
On March 24, 2023, deadly tornadoes tore through the state overnight, killing at least 25 and injuring dozens. The fatalities were reported in the following counties: Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll and Monroe.
Multiple state agencies and non-profit organizations assisted in the response and recovery efforts of impacted communities.
“We have seen just how important it is to prepare for severe weather and how having a plan before a disaster can be lifesaving,” Reeves said in the news release. “I encourage all Mississippians to review their severe weather preparedness plan, especially as we approach Spring.”