Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has proclaimed November--Tornado Awareness Month.

November is the 2nd most active month for tornadoes in Mississippi, with over 205 tornadoes confirmed since 1950 across the state.

While many people may think of the Spring Season when it comes to tornadoes in the Southeast United States, including Mississippi, the Fall is nearly as dangerous a time for severe weather and tornadoes. 

Historically, there have been several significant tornado outbreaks across the state during the month of November, including two of the most violent tornadoes in Mississippi history during a 2 day tornado outbreak, November 21-22, 1992, which included a 128 mile long F4 tornado that killed a total of 12 people, 10 in Brandon alone.

While the threat of tornadoes does have a Fall “peak” during November and early December, a somewhat smaller risk of severe weather and tornadoes continues all through the Winter months before increasing again in late February and into the rest of the Spring. 

However, an active El Nino Pattern in place, may help to increase severe weather events in the state through the Fall and Winter Seasons.

Note: Since 1990, there have only been 5 years without at least one reported tornado during the month of November. (1990, 1998, 1999, 2007, 2008)

 Note: Over 80 percent of the counties across the state have confirmed at least 1 tornado during the month of November, since 1990. (59 counties)

Everyone should stay updated on the latest weather information as it becomes available:

•            North Mississippi (NWS Memphis):  www.srh.noaa.gov/meg
•            Central and South Mississippi (NWS Jackson):  www.srh.noaa.gov/jan
•            Far South and Coastal Mississippi (NWS New Orleans):  www.srh.noaa.gov/lix
•            Far Southeast Mississippi (NWS Mobile):  www.srh.noaa.gov/mob
  

(Severe Weather Coverage in November 2001)