Severe Weather Driving & The Devastation in Hattiesburg

After an enjoyable weekend of Mardi Gras festivities back home in New Orleans, I began my drive back to Starkville, MS around 2:00 yesterday afternoon. Though I knew I would encounter severe weather along my drive,  I did not expect it to seem so gloomy. As I got on the interstate, I immediately hit traffic. Eventually, I passed a devastating wreck that police and medical personnel were working hard to clear. Then, when I thought I was clear of the traffic, there was more! Another wreck, this one less severe than the first. I proceeded to see four other cars along my drive that spun off the slick roads. 

The difference between life and death when driving in a severe weather situation is your full attention and awareness of your surroundings. Go slow, and don't text and drive. Also, turn on your radio and listen to the NWS cut ins about the present weather situation. 

There is still a lot of questions surrounding the tornado that hit Hattiesburg, MS. The tornado received a preliminary rating of EF-3, but the NWS in Jackson will determine a final rating this week. No deaths have been reported, but  83 injuries came as a result of this storm. 

Tornado Damage on campus of The University of Southern Mississippi.

(Picture courtesy of blog.gulflive.com)

If you're interested in a video of the event, this one was taken by storm chasers in the area yesterday.

Speaking of driving safely... usually it's best to drive away from the storm ;)

Finally, for more information on the tornado and future updates, please go to http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jan/?n=2013_02_10_11_tor .

--Shelby