Tupelo, MS – The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for northern Mississippi, affecting 22 counties until 3 a.m. CDT on Saturday. Residents should prepare for potential severe storms, including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
According to the NWS Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Coahoma, Desoto, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Monroe, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, and Yalobusha counties. The storms are expected to develop and intensify throughout the evening and into the early morning hours.
Authorities urge residents to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be ready to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued. Safe locations include interior rooms on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Local emergency management officials recommend securing outdoor objects, charging electronic devices, and ensuring flashlights and weather radios are accessible in case of power outages.
Severe weather outbreaks in March are not uncommon in Mississippi, where shifting warm and cold air masses create volatile storm conditions. Residents should monitor local weather stations and the National Weather Service for updates as conditions evolve overnight.
