Natural Disasters
Natural disasters like droughts, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. These disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations—low-income communities, communities of color, and those with preexisting health conditions—who often lack the resources to recover quickly.
Local organizations and government agencies are working to build resilience and ensure that all Mississippians—especially those in vulnerable communities—are protected from the health impacts of natural disasters.
Weather Monitoring
Areas of Excessive Rainfall and Fire Weather Today; Wildfire Smoke Bringing Unhealthy Air Quality to the Pacific Northwest​
The U.S. Drought Monitor depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. Mississippi is situated in a region where water is an abundant natural resource. Statewide annual average precipitation is 56 inches, ranging from 51 inches in the north to nearly 64 inches near coastal regions. However, this precipitation is highly variable, and this climatic variability has led to the present arrangement of agricultural and forestry activities, urban and industrial water supply types, and other land use patterns and resource use considerations.
Featured Presenter
Meteorologist and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration partner, Ashlyn Jackson,
This suite of products from the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center provides soil moisture conditions in the U.S. at the daily and monthly scales, including total soil moisture, percentiles and anomalies, monthly and seasonal change, and outlooks.
​Mississippi Delta captured by Dr. Gerri Cannon-Smith
Vegetation encompasses the various plants and trees that blanket the ground, such as forests, grasslands, and crops. Its well-being is crucial in protecting communities from the effects of natural disasters. Despite that, fair access to green areas and thriving vegetation is not always assured. Strong ecosystems help reduce the impact of extreme weather events, lower disaster severity, and enhance community resilience.
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Prevent Erosion and Flooding: Roots stabilize soil, reducing the risk of landslides and controlling the flow of water during heavy rainfall, mitigating flooding.
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Combat Drought: Vegetation, especially in forests and wetlands, helps retain moisture and maintain the local water cycle, reducing the impact of droughts, and provide habitats for wildlife.
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Moderate Extreme Temperatures: Urban green spaces help reduce effects from heatwaves.
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Production of Oxygen: While absorbing CO2, plants release oxygen (O2) as a byproduct of photosynthesis. ​
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What is the Vegetation Index (VI)?
The Vegetation Index (VI) is a tool that scientists and governments use to measure and monitor the health and density of vegetation in a given area. It is based on satellite images that capture the light reflected by plants. By tracking vegetation health, the Vegetation Index informs disaster preparedness and response strategies, guiding efforts to protect both the environment and public health.
This resource page brings together all data needed to make sound decisions and long range plans to ensure the adequate allocation of resources needed for pre-suppression and suppression of wildfires.
The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.
