JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – With peak Atlantic Hurricane Season underway in 2024, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) offered tips to help south Mississippi residents prepare for the most active part of hurricane season.
The most active part of the season runs from mid-August to mid-October. Officials said now is the time to ramp up preparedness efforts and have a plan in place before a storm threatens the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“The 2024 hurricane season has already seen several destructive storms, and we know the likelihood of hurricanes developing in the Gulf of Mexico will increase in the weeks ahead,” said Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District. “It’s critically important to prioritize the safety of yourself and your family by making a hurricane preparedness plan now if you haven’t already.”
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for an evacuation during 2024 peak hurricane season:
- Know your evacuation route. Around 20 evacuation routes are highlighted in the 2024 MDOT Hurricane Evacuation Guide along with other vital evacuation information.
- Allow ample time to get to your destination safely. Practice safe driving and be patient.
- Most of the time, there’s no need to evacuate hundreds of miles away. For most storms, evacuating 60-70 miles inland will help you avoid storm surge and high winds. However, always follow directives from local officials based on the storm’s path and intensity.
- Keep at least a half tank or a half charge in your vehicle during peak hurricane season.
- Know what to include in your Hurricane Survival Kit and how to prepare your home or property to weather the storm.
- Monitor approaching storms and follow the advice of state and local officials. If possible, evacuate early.