Jackson, Miss. – Strong thunderstorms are expected to sweep across central Mississippi this afternoon, bringing threats of damaging winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail to dozens of counties, including Jackson, Meridian, and Starkville, through 8 p.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for 36 counties across the state. The alert, issued at 1:45 p.m., includes heavily populated areas such as Hinds, Rankin, Lauderdale, and Lowndes counties. Residents are urged to remain indoors and avoid travel unless necessary, as storms could down trees and power lines or reduce visibility with heavy rain.
The watch zone stretches from the Mississippi Delta through central counties like Attala and Holmes to eastern areas including Kemper and Noxubee. High-impact areas may include portions of I-55, I-20, and U.S. Route 82. Emergency managers recommend securing outdoor items, charging mobile devices, and staying updated through local alerts and NOAA Weather Radio.
This storm system follows a week of unsettled weather in the Southeast and may trigger additional warnings if conditions worsen. Thunderstorms are expected to subside by late evening, but residents should monitor for updates as more watches or warnings may be issued into the night.
