PEARL, Miss. (MEMA) – Governor Tate Reeves declares May 3 – May 9, 2026, Hurricane Preparedness Week for the State of Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges citizens to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Last year, there were 13 named storms, five of which formed into hurricanes, and four intensified into major hurricanes. According to the National Weather Service, the average hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
“Over the last several years, our state has confronted many natural disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and ice storms,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “It is critical to have a plan before severe weather strikes. It can make a difference in keeping you and your family safe. I hope Hurricane Preparedness Week can help raise awareness about the upcoming hurricane season and encourage Mississippians to take the necessary steps to prepare.”
“I encourage all Mississippians to use Hurricane Preparedness Week to prepare now, by assembling an emergency supply kit, developing a family emergency plan, and determining evacuation routes,” says MEMA’s Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “By taking precautions now, we can safeguard our communities from any potential tropical storms. Let’s work together to ensure the safety and resilience of Mississippi during this hurricane season.”
Every Mississippi family should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with necessities like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, etc. To download a copy of the disaster supply checklist, click here. MEMA encourages homeowners to do an insurance check before hurricane season; homeowners should also purchase flood insurance if their home is in a special flood hazard zone.
MEMA will highlight key messages, facts, and ways to be prepared on our social media outlets each day of Hurricane Preparedness Week. Here are the key topics for each day:
• May 3, 2026 - Know Your Risk
• May 4, 2026 - Prepare Before Hurricane Season
• May 5, 2026 - Understand Forecast Information
• May 6, 2026 - Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
• May 7, 2026 - Stay Protected During Storms
• May 8, 2026 - Use Caution After Storms
• May 9, 2026 - Take Action Today
The official Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1, 2026- November 30, 2026.
Governor Reeves’ Proclamation on Hurricane Preparedness Week can be found here.
Mississippians can also view MEMA’s Hurricane Preparedness Guide here.
MEMA's Hurricane Guide in Spanish can be viewed here.
MEMA's Hurricane Guide in Vietnamese can be viewed here.
More hurricane information and preparedness tips can be found on the MEMA website at msema.org.
###