How does one determine potential for severe weather for a particular day? The key ingredients for severe weather include an unstable airmass, a lifting mechanism like a front, and wind shear.

The National Weather Service in in Jackson issues a Hazardous Weather Outlook for a large portion of the state every day at 6 AM and 2 PM...more frequently as needed. This product is transmitted to civil defense and emergency management agencies as well as the media, and is broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio. The Hazardous Weather Outlook presents the potential for thunderstorms, severe thunderstorms, and other hazards across the area. Often ingredients such as airmass instability, lifting mechanisms, and wind shear are discussed in the product.

When conditions are favorable for severe weather, a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is issued. A watch issuance is a clear sign that severe weather may occur in or near your area.

There are signs in the sky that one can look for to determine the potential for severe thunderstorms. Before thunderstorms develop, look for the following: sunshine which leads to airmass instability (however, airmass instability can also come from cooling aloft, so don't assume no threat of severe weather if the sky is cloudy all day); and gusty surface winds or rapid movement of low level clouds which indicate strong winds aloft;

When thunderstorms begin to develop or approach your area, look for tall, crisp, clear "cauliflower" shaped clouds with a "boiling" appearance. Thunderstorm clouds that appear fuzzy indicate evaporation, a sign of a weak thunderstorm.

WHEN A WATCH IS ISSUED...

Monitor local weather conditions for rapid changes. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local TV/radio stations for possible warning issuances. Be prepared to act quickly when a warning is issued.

WHEN A WARNING IS ISSUED...

Remain calm, but move quickly to safe shelter. Follow the instructions given in this pamphlet and by local media. Make sure you can access the latest information via a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio.

IF SEVERE WEATHER OCCURS IN YOUR AREA...

Remain in safe shelter until the storms have passed. Once it is safe to leave shelter, report any severe weather to the National Weather Service, or report it to your local law enforcement agency and ask them to relay your report to the National Weather Service.