Jackson, Mississippi – A dangerous round of severe weather is expected to impact much of Mississippi Friday, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts, isolated tornadoes, and heavy rainfall that could trigger flash flooding. The risk begins before dawn and intensifies through the afternoon and evening, with the most widespread impacts expected after midday.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, strong to severe storms could develop as early as pre-dawn hours along and northwest of the Natchez Trace, with the possibility of a brief tornado beginning as early as 4 a.m. Storm coverage is expected to increase Friday afternoon, peaking around mid to late afternoon, before gradually shifting southeast Friday night. Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph remain the primary hazard, though one or two tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
Heavy rainfall will add another layer of concern. Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are possible in parts of central and eastern Mississippi, with rainfall rates reaching 2 to 3 inches per hour. Areas including Jackson, Vicksburg, Greenville, Meridian, Hattiesburg, and Brookhaven could experience urban flooding, water-covered roads, and rising creeks. Minor river flooding is also possible in flood-prone basins.
Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive warnings, avoid flooded roadways, and secure outdoor items ahead of strong winds. The severe threat may linger into Friday night and early Saturday, and additional watches or warnings are likely as storms move across the state.
