As a part of Mississippi's Severe Weather Preparedness Week, a statewide tornado drill will be conducted Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said the tornado drill will take place using the routine weekly test through NOAA weather radio all-hazards at 9:15 a.m. This annual drill gives everyone the opportunity to test their tornado emergency procedures.
Local emergency managers, school officials, businesses and home owners are strongly encouraged to participate in the drill.
"The best way to learn what to do when severe weather approaches is to practice when the weather is not threatening," the NWS said
The period from March through early May is the primary severe weather season in Mississippi and is typically the most active for severe storms including tornadoes each year.
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes and is known as the month for the most violent and deadliest tornadoes to hit the state.
"When one looks at long term statistics for the number of tornadoes, strong to violent tornadoes, long track strong to violent tornadoes and unfortunately tornado fatalities, Mississippi ranks at or near the top in every category," the NWS said.
Last spring's severe weather season was fairly calm with only 12 tornadoes hitting the state. All occurred in March with none recorded in April or May. It was the first time Mississippi went without a tornado in the month of April in several years.
This was after a tornado season in 2011 that saw a record of more than 60 tornadoes tear across the state in the month of April alone, killing dozens and injuring many others.
Get interesting environment and science and space news. Also, follow along with the thousands of others for periodic weather updates, news and notes on Twitter.
Comments