A Tornado Hits Meridian Mississippi Today

A tornado has touched down just outside Meridian and is slowly making its way towards town. To avoid being affected by large debris in the air, residents should head for shelter in a storm cellar or indoor room.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for Meridian. First responders are working to assess the damage and safety of those affected by this storm.

1. Tornado Warning

Tornadoes are fierce storms that can do extensive damage to anything they come in contact with, from flipping cars to creating deadly flying debris and destroying houses.

On average, almost three quarters of tornadoes occur in the United States, though they can strike anywhere! The peak tornado season occurs from March through May; however, tornadoes may also be triggered at any other time.

Supercells are the most frequent type of tornado. These long-lived systems contain circulation aloft (mesocyclone). Within a supercell tornado, winds move incredibly fast inside an enclosed circle of air - giving it its tube-like shape.

Tornadoes with winds up to 250 miles per hour can create havoc, uproot trees and destroy buildings with devastating force. Tornadoes often form paths over one mile wide and 50 miles long, leaving behind massive destruction in their wake.

Tornadoes are typically associated with tropical storms or hurricanes as they make landfall, but can happen at any time. On April 11, 1967, 148 tornadoes occurred in south Texas when Hurricane Beulah made landfall.

Though these events can be hazardous, timely precautions can help safeguard you and your property. These include seeking refuge at a safe shelter, listening for NOAA Weather Radio or other emergency alerts, and avoiding damaged areas as quickly as possible.

If you find yourself in a building being hit by a tornado, evacuate to the lowest floor and seek shelter under furniture or mattresses that is sturdy and stable. Stay close to the center of the room, away from windows.

Additionally, if you are in an automobile, leave it immediately and seek shelter at the nearest place of safety such as a basement or interior room without windows on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet. Likewise, if you reside in a mobile home, exit it and find safety near a ditch or low lying area.

Once the warning has ended, obey the instructions of state, local and tribal officials to help get you back to safety as quickly as possible. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local news for up-to-date information.

2. Power Outage

Today in Meridian, Mississippi, residents are bracing for an intense storm system that could include a tornado. The National Weather Service is forecasting severe weather to hit the region with strong winds, heavy rain and potential flash flooding hazards.

According to a news release from the university, its Hattiesburg campus and offices will close their doors on Wednesday afternoon due to forecasted storms. They also recommend that any customers affected by this weather make sure they have sufficient supplies for sheltering needs, as well as creating an emergency plan.

A storm system is expected to bring heavy rainfall throughout the day, potentially leading to flooding on roadways. Some roads already show signs of flooding in high-water tables areas; drivers should also be alert for downed trees and power lines.

There have been reports of downed power lines and tree damage across the Pine Belt region of Tennessee. Jones County experienced one such incident when a tree fell on an electrical pole near Monarch Road, while Ed Crowder Road experienced another power line failure. Forrest County Emergency Management Agency reported several trees had fallen near Macedonia Road and Pop Runnels Road as well.

Tuesday afternoon, heavy rainfall is forecast for the region with the risk of severe weather increasing later in the day, according to the Weather Service. The risk for severe weather will persist through Saturday morning when conditions should be less intense.

Between 3 and 6 p.m., severe weather is likely to hit its peak - with Jackson and Hattiesburg facing the highest risks. According to the Weather Service, heavy rain, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes are all potential outcomes during this period.

Consequently, the National Weather Service is encouraging people to remain indoors and away from windows and doors that could be damaged due to flying debris. Furthermore, rural residents should wait until after a warning for severe weather has ended before leaving their homes.

3. Life Threatening Debris

Meridian Mississippi has been particularly hard-hit by tornadoes this year, accounting for 20% of all tornado reports in the US so far in 2022.

Fox Weather Data Specialist Shane Brown reported that Meridian has experienced 27 different tornado warnings this year alone - the most ever experienced by an urban area since 1970s.

After this weekend's tornado outbreak, there have been multiple reports of life-threatening debris. This includes fallen trees, splintered homes and vehicles.

Some people were tragically killed by falling debris, while others suffered serious injuries. The National Weather Service warned that storms across California could produce hazardous flying debris in various locations.

This system will have a major impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast region, where heavy downpours and severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening.

Today and tomorrow, it is possible that tornadoes could develop in the area, particularly western parts of the state. Tornadoes have the potential to produce winds of up to 200 mph.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for parts of Rankin County and South Central Rankin County until 6:15 a.m. This warning is due to a tornado reported over Johns, about nine miles east of Star.

Rankin County officials have advised residents to evacuate the areas where tornadoes have been reported and take refuge in safe shelters. Furthermore, the sheriff has asked that citizens contact the police department if they observe any downed power lines or other damage to their property.

Other areas of concern include West Hattiesburg, where the city's emergency management agency said they are currently investigating a large number of reports of injuries.

Tupelo's mayor has declared a state of emergency and requested assistance from both the National Guard and sheriff's office. This afternoon's tornado that hit Tupelo measured one mile wide.

4. Boil Water Notice

Today, residents in Meridian Mississippi must heed an emergency boil water notice due to the tornado that ripped through the city and damaged numerous water systems.

This boil water notice is being issued by Meridian Township, East Lansing-Meridian Water and Sewer Authority (ELMWSA), and the City of East Lansing for customers in the North Pressure Zone. This advisory will remain in effect for 48 hours beginning at 10:00 am Thursday, June 23 until at least 10 pm Saturday, June 25.

On Tuesday, January 10, ELMWSA needed an urgent repair at their plant due to damage caused to one of its main water transmission lines. As a result, they were left without water for several hours.

On January 11th, ELMWSA, Meridian Township and East Lansing issued an emergency notice to conserve water until a repair could be made. After this repair was complete, ELMWSA has lifted their request that residents conserve water.

The ELMWSA plant, Meridian Township and the City of East Lansing would like to express our gratitude for everyone's patience during this urgent repair. While the water supply remained safe for consumption, we wanted to conserve water while working on it.

Bring all tap water to a rapid boil, then cool before using or drinking. This includes making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and prepping food. Showering, laundry and other non-consumption uses without boiling are also safe without prior authorization.

Boiling water will destroy bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms present in the liquid. However, it should be noted that MSDH testing of samples may take two or more days before they determine if the water is safe to drink.

If you have any inquiries about this advisory, please reach out to the ELMWSA customer service line at 517-376-9055. The representatives can answer all of your queries and help save money by conserving water - they may even prevent another boil water notice in the future!