Jackson, MS – A Tornado Watch has been issued for portions of Mississippi and Louisiana through 6 a.m. CST Tuesday, as a round of severe storms moves across the Lower Mississippi Valley overnight. The alert, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center, includes communities from Rayville and Winnsboro in Louisiana to Vicksburg, Jackson, Canton, Magee, Hazlehurst, Natchez, and Brookhaven in Mississippi.
According to the NWS, conditions are favorable for the development of a couple of tornadoes, along with isolated hail up to ping-pong-ball size and scattered wind gusts reaching 70 mph. Forecasters warn that storms will remain capable of strengthening overnight, increasing the risk for low-visibility, fast-moving tornadoes.
The watch area covers an estimated 781,000 residents, including 291 schools and 35 hospitals, according to the population exposure metrics displayed in the NWS alert graphic. The timing of this event—occurring during the overnight hours—adds additional danger, as many people may be asleep when warnings are issued.
Areas highlighted in the watch include major travel corridors such as Interstate 20 and Interstate 55, where sudden severe weather could impact overnight drivers. Residents are urged to keep multiple alert methods active—such as NOAA weather radios, phone alerts, and local media—because nighttime tornadoes can form and move quickly with little advanced visibility.
If a Tornado Warning is issued at any point, the NWS advises moving immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. Mobile homes are not safe during tornado conditions and should be evacuated for stronger shelter when possible.
The watch remains active until 6 a.m. CST Tuesday, with storms expected to weaken gradually after sunrise.
