The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) is proud to announce that both the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS) have been recognized as StormReady® by the National Weather Service (NWS) during this morning’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Awareness Tour Press Conference at JAN.
“Jackson Municipal Airports experience active severe weather episodes throughout the year, and potentially dangerous and hazardous weather could occur on any given day,” said Bill Parker, Jackson, MS NWS Meteorologist-In-Charge. “To prepare for severe weather and keep its citizens safe, airport officials have partnered with the NWS to meet the criteria required by the StormReady® program.”
To be recognized as StormReady®, an airport must meet several criteria set by the NWS, including establishing a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center, having multiple ways to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings, developing a system that monitors local weather conditions, promoting the importance of public readiness through community seminars, and creating a formal hazardous weather plan that includes severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the NWS,” said John Means, JMAA Acting CEO. “With over 1 million passengers flying JAN and the vital support of general aviation at HKS, the safety of our passengers and the community is our top priority. We take every step necessary to ensure that we are prepared for severe weather events.”
JAN and HKS joins more than 3,300 other StormReady® communities nationwide. JMAA will continue working with the NWS to maintain StormReady® status and to ensure the safety of passengers and the community.
For more information about the StormReady® program, contact Bill Parker, Jackson, MS NSW Meteorologist-In-Charge at 601.965.4639, ext. 222.
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ABOUT JMAA
The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) operates two airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS). JAN is the busiest airport in Mississippi, situated in the Central part of the state and serving the Capital region of Jackson with over 3,000 acres of property. JAN has service to several of the world’s busiest global hubs and is home to the Mississippi Air National Guard 172nd Airlift Wing. HKS is a general aviation airport and is home to the Mississippi Army National Guard 185th Aviation Brigade.