JACKSON, Miss. – Residents across northern Mississippi should prepare for strong thunderstorms tonight, with the highest risk window between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Saturday. The storms could bring damaging winds and hail large enough to cause travel issues and power outages.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a marginal risk has been issued for cities including Greenville, Greenwood, Eupora, and Columbus. While storms are expected to remain scattered, a few could intensify, producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to the size of quarters.
Travel could become hazardous, especially along U.S. Highway 82 and Interstate 55 through the Delta. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary driving overnight, secure loose outdoor items, and keep mobile devices charged in case of outages.
Communities from the Mississippi Delta to northeast counties should stay alert as storms may develop later than previously anticipated, with the strongest cells possible closer to midnight and persisting through early morning.
Additional watches or warnings may be issued if storms intensify overnight.
