Jackson, Miss. – A pre-dawn line of storms is bringing the threat of damaging winds, lightning, and hail to north-central Mississippi, where a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, 14 counties — including Oktibbeha, Lowndes, Holmes, and Webster — are under alert as conditions favor wind gusts up to 60 mph and scattered large hail. The strongest storms are expected to impact areas along and east of I-55 through mid-morning.
Cities like Starkville, Columbus, and Grenada could see brief power outages and tree damage if storms intensify. Drivers along U.S. Highway 82 and Highway 45 should be prepared for sudden visibility drops and ponding water during downpours. Emergency managers recommend securing outdoor items and avoiding travel during high wind periods.
This system follows a week of active weather across the Deep South and may signal additional storm risks later in the weekend.
Stay tuned to local alerts and NOAA Weather Radio for updates. The thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 a.m., with more advisories possible as conditions evolve.
