The days are getting longer, the air warmer and the allergy section at the pharmacy is bare. It’s springtime in Mississippi.

Spring brings a lot of firsts each year as residents gear up for a busy summer of outdoor fun. For many, it’s the first time to mow the yard this year, time to plant the first vegetables in the garden, time to sign up for summer leagues and play the first games, and more.

Unfortunately, spring is also the time many Mississippians are likely to experience severe weather.

According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, severe weather season in the Magnolia State runs March through May each year, with a second, smaller season near the end of the year. Severe weather can bring damaging hail in excess of an inch in diameter — golf-ball size — strong winds greater than 58 miles per hour and possible tornadoes.

In addition to the dangers these hazards can cause for people, strong winds and excess water can topple trees and down power lines, causing blackouts or damaging properties.

Flash flooding is also a risk with severe weather as heavy rain overwhelms local drainage networks. Remember, it is never safe to drive through flooded areas!

Meridian and Lauderdale County are fortunate to have robust networks of seasoned storm responders, including emergency services, utility linemen, road and highway crews and more who quickly get to work, often before the storm is done, to restore power, clear roads and assist residents.

Storm responders, however, should not bear the brunt of the responsibility for severe weather planning, and every household is encouraged to have an emergency kit and severe weather plan in case a storm comes through.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends emergency kits include:

•plans for emergency shelters and evacuations

•flashlights, weather radios and plenty of extra batteries for both

•important personal information such as medical information, names and numbers of family and neighbors and insurance information

•a first aid kit

•personal hygiene items

•blankets or sleeping bags

•enough water and non-perishable food for three to five days

Residents can also opt to receive severe weather alerts through the Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency and/or city of Meridian. Visit LEMAonline.com or text your zip code to 888777 to sign up for the county alerts, and visit meridianms.org/government/public-safety/codered, call 601-484-6890 or text “MERIDIANMS” to 99411 to sign up for the city’s notifications.

Spring storms can pop up with little warning, but taking the time to plan ahead makes riding them out a lot easier.

CNHI Newswire