August 27, 2020
A tornado watch has been issued for Hinds County until 4 p.m. CST.
This morning through evening, strong winds associated with Hurricane Laura will bring sustained speeds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 40 mph to areas across far southeast Arkansas and the western half of Mississippi.
If a tornado warning has been issued and you are inside:
- Stay inside.
- Stay away from outside walls, windows, mirrors, glass, overhead fixtures, and unsecured objects such as filing cabinets or bookcases.
- Move to the appropriate shelter area designated for your building.
- Instructors in buildings where classes are in session should bring their classes to the appropriate shelter area.
- Do not use elevators.
- If requested, assist persons with disabilities to the safest area on the same floor.
- Appropriate shelter areas are a below-ground-level floor, interior corridor, or room or office without windows. Crouch low with your hands covering the back of your head and neck.
- Do not leave the shelter area until after the storm is over.
- Continue to monitor the weather via radio, television, or internet until the tornado warning has been lifted for your area.
If a tornado warning has been issued and you are outside:
- Look for a nearby safe structure in which to take shelter.
- If you are on campus go to the shelter area of the nearest building.
- If you are in your car, get out of it. Never try to outrun a tornado.
- If there is no shelter, lie down flat in a low area such as a ditch away from trees with your hands covering the back of your head and neck.
Closely monitor weather.gov, your JSU email, and JSU social media accounts for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.