Jackson, Miss. – A dangerous line of storms sweeping across Mississippi and Louisiana this morning could bring 70 mph wind gusts, hail, and even a brief tornado, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 1 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a bowing thunderstorm cluster is tracking eastward across central and southern Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana, creating conditions ripe for scattered damaging winds and isolated hail up to 1 inch in diameter. A tornado or two is also possible as the line intensifies.
Cities in the watch zone include Jackson, Hattiesburg, Baton Rouge, and areas along I-55 and U.S. 84. The threat extends 75 miles north and south of a line from near Natchez, Miss., to east of the Pine Belt. Power outages, downed trees, and travel disruptions are likely through the morning.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid travel if possible, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for warnings. Those near mobile homes or flood-prone areas should have a safe shelter plan.
Severe thunderstorm warnings may be issued with little notice. This threat will persist into early afternoon before storms gradually shift eastward.
