Spring Storm Season will be approaching! Here’s How to Prepare

As we enter spring severe weather season, preparation is key. Taking a few simple steps now can make a significant difference.

How Residents Can Prepare

Review your severe weather plan.Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go and how to stay informed.

Identify your safe location.The safest place during a tornado warning is a small, interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows. Our City has a Storm Shelter within our Community that during weather events is monitored by members of the Olive Branch Police Department. This shelter is located at 9549 Pigeon Roost Road in a building on the Olive Branch Elementary School Campus. Please visit this page or our City Social Media for updates when this shelter is open

Charge devices and backup batteries.Ensure phones, weather radios, and portable chargers are ready in case of power outages.

Secure outdoor items.Bring in or tie down patio furniture, trash cans, and loose yard items that could become projectiles in strong winds.

Enable emergency alerts.Have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially overnight. If you haven't already signed up, you can receive emergency alerts and weather notifications specific to Olive Branch by texting olivebranch to 888777 from your cell phone or smart device. 

Understanding Watches vs. Warnings

• A Severe Weather Watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather.

• A Severe Weather Warning means severe weather is occurring or imminent. Take action immediately.

City Updates

City leadership and emergency response teams will be closely monitoring conditions and are prepared to respond as needed during Spring Weather events. Updates will be shared on the City’s official social media channels and website as new information becomes available. Be sure to check back to this post (www.obms.us/springstorm2026) as these events occur.

Preparation today helps protect our community tomorrow.

The City of Olive Branch is moving to a new process for residents and utility customers to request building permits, planning actions, business licenses, and reporting code enforcement issues.  Our new portal called Civic Access will allow residents and customers to:

• submit requests for permits online
• apply for and renew business licenses online
• pay for permits and business licenses online via credit card or e-check
• submit digital copies of plans and other documentation online for most requests
• receive digital documents with noted revisions from the City online
• request inspections for pending permits online
• report code enforcement issues online
• receive updates of your request via email

To learn more about our online portal for permits, business licenses, and more, please visit www.obms.us/apply. 

To report a code enforcement case, please visit www.obms.us/report 

Receive Emergency Text Alerts from the City of Olive Branch directly to your cell phone. Simply text olivebranch to 888777 to opt-in today!