Mississippi is in for a stormy night. Strong winds, hail, and heavy rain are expected to move in late this evening and last through Thursday morning. Some areas could see wind gusts up to 60 mph, and hail could be large enough to dent cars and damage rooftops.
The biggest concern? These storms are expected to hit overnight, when many people are asleep. If you don’t have a way to get weather alerts while you’re sleeping, now is the time to set that up.
When Will the Storms Arrive?
- The first storms will develop late Wednesday night and continue through Thursday morning.
- They will start in northwest Mississippi and move eastward overnight, reaching north-central and eastern areas by morning.
- Overnight storms are especially dangerous because people may not hear warnings in time to take cover.
What to Expect
- Damaging winds up to 60 mph, which could bring down trees and power lines.
- Hail the size of quarters, which can damage cars, windows, and roofs.
- Heavy rain, which could lead to street flooding and difficult driving conditions.
- Frequent lightning, making it dangerous to be outside.
At this time, tornadoes are not the biggest concern, but any severe storm can escalate quickly, so it’s important to be prepared.
How to Stay Safe
- Turn on weather alerts – If storms hit while you’re asleep, you need a way to be woken up. A NOAA weather radio or a loud alert on your phone can help.
- Secure loose outdoor items – Patio furniture, trash cans, and other lightweight objects can easily be blown away.
- Stay inside – Avoid going outside during the storm, and stay away from windows.
- Protect your car – If possible, park in a garage or under a carport to protect it from hail.
- Charge your phone and devices – If power goes out, you’ll want your phone at full battery.
More Storms Possible Friday Night
This won’t be the last round of severe weather this week. Another strong storm system is expected Friday night into early Saturday, especially in northern Mississippi and areas along Highway 82.
This system could bring even stronger winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes. If you don’t already have a severe weather plan, now is the time to make one.
