Mississippi, Sunday is shaping up to be a stormy day, and it’s one you don’t want to be caught unprepared for. Starting in the afternoon and lasting into the night, severe storms will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and golf ball-sized hail to the state. If you’ve got plans, you may want to rethink them or at least make sure you’re ready for what’s coming.
Here’s What You Can Expect:
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Severe Storms: These storms aren’t just a little rain. We’re talking about strong winds that could hit up to 70 MPH, along with intense rainfall. The wind alone can bring down trees, knock out power lines, and cause roof damage. If you’re planning to be out on the roads, prepare for some seriously dangerous conditions. Driving will be tough, and visibility will be poor, especially with the rain coming down hard.
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Golf Ball-Sized Hail: Now, the hail is the real star of this show. Forecasters are predicting golf ball-sized hail, which is large enough to smash windows, put dents in cars, and cause a lot of damage to roofs. If you’re driving when the hail starts, the best thing you can do is pull over and find shelter immediately—this is not the time to be out on the road. If you’re at home, move your car into a garage or any covered area to keep it safe.
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Timing: The storms are expected to begin in the afternoon, around 2 PM, and will be at their most intense from 4 PM to 9 PM. Central and southern Mississippi will be hit hardest, especially along the Mississippi River, but the entire state will be impacted, so everyone needs to stay alert.
What You Should Do to Prepare:
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Prepare for Power Outages: Strong winds and hail can knock out power across the state. Charge your devices now and make sure you have flashlights or battery-powered lights on hand in case the electricity goes out. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, you might want to think about sandbagging doors and windows just in case the water starts rising.
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Move Your Car to Safety: If you have a garage or covered parking, move your car inside now to keep it protected from the hail. If you don’t have that option, try to find an overhang or any shelter that will shield your car from the worst of the hail. Golf ball-sized hail can cause serious damage, and the last thing you want to do is deal with dented cars or broken windows.
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Stay Inside: When the storms hit, the safest place to be is inside. Don’t risk standing near windows or glass doors—they could shatter in the strong winds. If you’re caught outside or in your car when the storm starts, find shelter immediately in a sturdy building. Driving during the storm is not a good idea. If you come across flooded roads, don’t even think about trying to drive through them—it’s much safer to wait it out.
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Watch for Flooding: The heavy rain could lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. If you live in a flood-prone zone, keep an eye on rising water levels. Don’t drive through floodwaters, no matter how shallow they may seem. Even a few inches of water can cause your car to lose traction. Flooding can happen quickly, so make sure you have a plan just in case things get bad.
Wrapping It Up:
Mississippi, this storm is nothing to take lightly. From hail to heavy rain to dangerous winds, it’s shaping up to be a wild afternoon and night. Here’s a quick rundown on what you should do now to stay safe:
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Charge your phones and any other essential devices.
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Move your car to shelter if possible.
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Stay inside when the storm hits, and avoid driving during the worst of it.
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Be prepared for power outages and flooding.
The storm will be at its peak from 4 PM to 9 PM, so be sure to stay updated on the weather and make sure you’re ready. Stay safe, Mississippi—and remember, we’ll get through this together as long as we stay prepared!
