Mississippi Will Observe Severe Weather Week in October
Governor Tate Reeves declared October 12-17 as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week across Mississippi.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Forecasts
Live Poll
Is now a good time to review your household emergency plans for severe weather?
Governor Tate Reeves designated October 12-17, 2026, as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week to help residents prepare for the state's secondary severe weather season. The initiative aims to provide safety tips and hazard information through a partnership between MEMA and the National Weather Service.
Why it matters
Mississippi faces a recurring severe weather season from October through December, making public awareness crucial for safety. Officials are highlighting preparedness to address the risks associated with this specific time of year.
Mississippi recorded 80 total tornadoes during 2025, with seven of those events occurring during the final three months of the year. The state faces a recognized secondary severe weather season that spans from October through December.
The players
Tate Reeves
Tate Reeves is the current Governor of Mississippi who officially declared the statewide preparedness week.
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is the state organization responsible for coordinating disaster response and public safety information.
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is a federal agency that provides weather forecasts and hazard warnings to the public.
The details
During the week, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will collaborate with the National Weather Service to disseminate safety information. Residents can access preparedness tips via official MEMA social media channels on Facebook and X.
Timeline
Mississippi recorded 80 total tornadoes in 2025.
Seven tornadoes were recorded in Mississippi during the final three months of 2025.
The preparedness week begins October 12, 2026, with a focus on planning.
The preparedness week concludes October 17, 2026, with a focus on mobile home safety.
Seasonal Patterns
This initiative aligns with the National Weather Service's severe weather preparedness protocols, which emphasize regional awareness during secondary peak storm seasons. The campaign mirrors established patterns for mitigating risks during the late-year weather shifts seen in the Southeast.
Residents should monitor official updates from MEMA on Facebook and X throughout the week to receive actionable safety guidance. Families are encouraged to use this time to review their emergency plans, particularly regarding mobile home safety as the season progresses.
The takeaway
Preparing for severe weather in the fall is a vital practice as storm patterns remain active through the end of the year. Residents should prioritize creating and practicing a communication plan to ensure household safety during potential weather emergencies.
Further reading
For more on upcoming weather risks, visit the Forecasts section.
More information
Access official safety tips and tools on the MEMA severe weather preparedness information page.
Live Poll
Is now a good time to review your household emergency plans for severe weather?
