Norman, Oklahoma — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 2 p.m. CST Saturday for portions of northern Mississippi, where storms could produce damaging winds and hail through the early afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes counties across north Mississippi and the Delta region.
Counties under the watch include Alcorn, Benton, Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tate, Tippah, Tunica, and Washington counties.
Communities in the watch area include Southaven, Oxford, Clarksdale, Greenville, Cleveland, and surrounding areas.
Forecasters warn that thunderstorms moving through the region could produce scattered damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, which may lead to downed trees, power outages, and travel disruptions.
Additional hazards include isolated large hail up to about 1 inch in diameter, and meteorologists say a brief tornado or two cannot be ruled out.
Storms are expected to move generally west to east across the Mid-South during the late morning and early afternoon hours.
Officials emphasize that a Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, and residents should remain alert for warnings if stronger storms develop.
Strong storms could also affect midday travel, outdoor activities, and weekend plans across northern Mississippi communities.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts as conditions evolve.
