Tornadoes in Mississippi: How EcoFlow Keeps You Connected During Storms
Mississippi is no stranger to tornadoes. With a peak season in spring and a secondary peak in the fall, these storms often hit hard. However, tornadoes in the Magnolia State can strike at any time, and rapid shifts in weather, limited warning times, and frequent power outages make preparation essential. This guide covers everything from understanding tornado season to creating emergency plans, packing emergency kits, and the benefits of reliable backup power. Staying powered up and informed can make the difference between safety and danger for you and your loved ones.
When Is Tornado Season in Mississippi?
Mississippi experiences a tornado season in the spring from March through May, peaking in April with an average of seven. There is a second season that occurs in the fall, peaking in November with an average of six tornadoes. However, twisters in Mississippi can and do strike every month of the year. This is because Mississippi is part of not one but two infamous tornado alleys. The less well-known but still dangerous “Dixie Alley” covers almost all of the state except the southernmost point at the Gulf. Furthermore, the recent eastward shift of Tornado Alley from the Great Plains has pushed it into Mississippi, making round-the-clock preparation critical.
How To Stay Updated on Mississippi Tornado Warnings
Listen to your local commercial radio or television channels.
Listen for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone (similar to an Amber Alert).
If your community has a tornado siren, familiarize yourself with the sound.
Follow @NWSJacksonMS on X (Twitter).
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio (requires a special receiver).
Check for alerts on the National Weather Service.
Install a weather app on your phone.
Visit TornadoHQ for current alerts all across the USA.
Use your EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus portable power station to charge your phone if the power goes out so you can stay connected and informed.
How To Prepare for a Tornado in Mississippi
Taking steps now to prepare for emergencies before one strikes is the best defense against tornadoes.
Identify Safe Rooms or Shelters
First, identify the nearest safe room or storm shelter, ideally aligning with FEMA standards. Things like basements, cellars, and interior rooms with cement walls are the next best options. If you live in a mobile home, even with tie-downs, evacuate immediately and seek a sturdy building, ditch, or ravine. Since warnings typically only give you about 10 minutes notice, you must locate a safe shelter at home, work, school, and other locations where you and your family spend a lot of time. Never try driving to a secure location, as this only puts you in more danger. This is why identifying safe areas ahead of time is critical.
Watch For Danger Signs
Tornadoes strike with little to no warning, so learning to watch for the danger signs could save your life. If you see the following signs, don’t wait for an alert; seek shelter immediately:
Dark skies that may have a greenish hue
A roar that sounds like a freight train
Dark, low, rotating, or funnel-shaped clouds
Approaching debris clouds
Prepare An Emergency Kit
Every home should have an emergency kit. Keep your kit in a waterproof bin in your storm shelter, safe room, or near the door if you need to evacuate to seek shelter. Your kit should contain the following:
1 gallon of water per day per person for 3 days
Non-perishable food for each person for 3 days
Food and water for your pets
Complete first aid kit
Emergency whistle
Dust masks
Prescription drugs for family members
Soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
Rechargeable LED flashlights
Can opener, eating utensils
Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
Multi-tool and duct tape
The EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank is compact and powerful enough to charge your phone one to two times, allowing you to stay connected and informed.
Prepare an Emergency Plan
It’s equally important to prepare an emergency plan ahead of time. Practice your plan with every household member at least once a year, ensuring everyone knows where to go, whether at work, home, school, etc. Your plan also needs to include who to contact in an emergency, how to contact them, what to do if family members are not home, and having a backup meeting place in case your house is unsafe. Also, show them where the emergency kit is located, what’s in it, and what to do with it, including some basic first aid. Your yearly drill is also a good time to refresh your medical supplies, food, and water, and charge your lights and backup power.
Purchase an Emergency Power Supply
Power outages are widespread during and after severe storms and can last several days. Having a backup power supply will help keep your family safe and ensure that essential appliances like refrigerators, freezers, medical equipment, and computers are kept running. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is the best storm generator since it offers 4000W output and can power 120V and 240V appliances. It’s also expandable with extra batteries, providing enough power for a complete whole-home generator.
The EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators are also best for indoor use since they don’t use fossil fuels and won’t put your family at risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 400 people annually in the USA. They come in various capacities to suit any household need and come with solar panels so you can recharge them and stay powered up during extended blackouts. If you have rooftop panels already installed, go out and ensure their mounts and connections are secure to help prevent storm damage.
What To Do When a Tornado Hits Mississippi
It’s not a matter of if but when a tornado strikes in Mississippi. Knowing what to do when the inevitable happens can keep you safe.
Immediately seek safe shelter when you hear an emergency alert or see the warning signs of an approaching tornado.
Stay indoors and do not drive. For those in mobile homes, evacuate and seek the nearest shelter or safe location within a very short walk.
For large buildings without safe rooms, go to the lowest floor and find the most interior room. Put as many interior walls between you and the outside as possible. If available, climb inside an interior closet or under a sturdy desk or table.
Stay away from all doors, windows, and glass.
If you’re outdoors or in your car, head to the nearest sturdy building and get inside. If there are none available, seek a ravine, ditch, or other low point in the landscape and climb inside it.
Get down low and cover your head and neck with your arms.
Listen for emergency updates. To stay connected and informed, charge your devices using your EcoFlow Portable Power Station.
Do not yell for help if you get trapped, as you can damage your lungs by inhaling dust. Instead, use your emergency whistle or bang on pipes to make a lot of noise.
After the storm passes, stay put. Do not leave unless you have a critical medical emergency. The roads and buildings may be unsafe, and the streets should be kept clear for emergency responders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tornadoes Common in Mississippi?
Yes, tornadoes are common in Mississippi, with a peak season from March to May and a second peak in November. However, they can and do happen at any time of the year, day or night, so being prepared around the clock is crucial.
Is Mississippi in Danger of Tornadoes?
Mississippi has tornadoes any time of year, at any time of day. With most of the state located in Dixie Alley and the eastward shift of the infamous Tornado Alley, the Magnolia state is more in danger than ever before. We’ve also had six deadly EF5 tornadoes to date, so preparation is key.
Final Thoughts
Tornadoes in Mississippi are frequent, fast-moving, and unpredictable. With peak activity occurring in both spring and fall but still possible year-round, emergency preparedness is not an option—it’s critical. Know your safe shelters, build an emergency kit, practice your family emergency plan, and invest in reliable backup power. Products like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 will ensure your essential appliances stay on even when the grid goes down, without the toxic fumes of traditional generators. Stay prepared, and when the winds inevitably pick up, you can keep your family safe.