PEARL – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is asking residents to prepare for severe weather forecasted to move through the state beginning this afternoon and continuing through the night. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service say the system will be capable of producing severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, tornadoes and golf-ball sized hail.

“MEMA has coordinated with our local emergency management partners and placed members of the State Emergency Response Team on alert should state assistance be needed,” said MEMA Director Robert Latham. “We are prepared to respond quickly but nothing can take the place of a good individual and family preparedness plan”.

MEMA and local emergency managers participated in a conference call with members of the National Weather Service this afternoon to receive the latest forecast updates and information.

Families and residents should take time before the severe weather threatens to ensure they have fresh batteries in their NOAA weather radio. The weather radio sounds when a warning is issued for an area and may be purchased at many local retailers for about $30.

MEMA and the NWS recommend you take the following steps:

Have a family emergency plan in case a weather warning is issued.

Check and restock your emergency supply kit in case you are without electricity for an extended period of time.

Residents in mobile homes, manufactured housing or any type of sub-standard housing should have a safe place to wait out the severe weather.

When riding in a vehicle never attempt to outrun a tornado. You should abandon the vehicle and get into a nearby ditch or sturdy structure.