Northern Mississippi on Storm Watch: Flash Flooding, Hail, and High Winds Threaten Tonight!

Hey, Mississippi, it’s time to get ready for some serious weather tonight. Severe thunderstorms are headed our way, and they’re bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and possibly even hail with them. If you’re in northern Mississippi, especially around cities like Tupelo, Oxford, and Corinth, you’ll want to be prepared. The storm’s not playing around, so let’s talk about what to expect and how you can stay safe.

Here’s What’s Coming Your Way:

• Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding: These storms will bring some really heavy rainfall, and depending on how quickly it falls, we could see flash flooding. If you live in a low-lying area or somewhere prone to flooding, take this seriously. The storm could quickly flood streets, making travel dangerous. If you’re near water-prone areas, have a plan in place in case the situation escalates.

• Strong Winds: The winds are expected to gust up to 60 mph or more. That’s strong enough to knock over trees, bring down power lines, and send debris flying through the air. It’s a good idea to secure anything outdoors that could get blown away or cause damage. Your patio furniture, trash bins, or anything that can catch the wind should be taken in or tied down.

• Hail: There’s also a chance that some of the storms could bring hail — and some of it could be large enough to do some damage. Cars, windows, and even roofs could be at risk. If you have a car parked outside, it’s a good idea to move it to a garage or some kind of shelter. Those big hailstones can be destructive!

• Frequent Lightning: As with most thunderstorms, there will likely be lots of lightning. This can cause power surges, fires, and even injuries, so stay inside and avoid using anything plugged into the wall if possible. Stay away from windows, and keep the electronics off for a while.

Where Will the Storms Hit?

These severe storms are mainly focused on northern Mississippi, including Tupelo, Oxford, and Corinth, but don’t rule out the storms spreading further south. Jackson and other central parts of the state could also get some of this rough weather as the evening progresses. If you’re in these areas, stay alert and keep track of the forecast as it evolves tonight.

Here’s How to Stay Safe:

1. Stay Indoors: This one’s simple – stay inside! Don’t risk going out if you don’t have to. If you’re already out and about, take shelter inside a sturdy building right away. The storms can be unpredictable, so don’t wait until the last minute to get to safety.

2. Protect Your Outdoor Items: High winds are going to be a big factor in tonight’s storm, so secure anything outside that could be blown away or damaged. That includes things like patio furniture, garden tools, and even trash cans. If it can be moved, bring it inside or tie it down.

3. Don’t Drive If You Don’t Have To: If you don’t need to be on the road tonight, it’s best to stay put. Flash floods can happen quickly, and roads can get flooded in a flash. If you must drive, avoid low-lying areas where water tends to collect, and never drive through flooded streets. It’s just not worth the risk.

4. Be Ready for Power Outages: With winds this strong, there’s a good chance that power could go out, especially if trees or branches fall on power lines. Charge your phone, have flashlights on hand, and keep some extra batteries around just in case. If you rely on electricity for medical devices, make sure you’ve got a backup plan ready.

5. Look After Your Pets: Thunderstorms can be especially scary for animals, so make sure your pets are inside and have a safe, quiet space to ride out the storm. If they get nervous during storms, offer them a comforting blanket or a quiet room where they can feel secure.

What to Watch For:

• Flash Flooding: If you start to see roads getting flooded, move to higher ground right away. It doesn’t take much water to make driving dangerous. If the streets look like they’re turning into rivers, don’t take any chances.

• Wind Damage: When the wind picks up, especially over 50 mph, it can bring down trees and cause some serious damage. If you hear things shaking outside or see debris flying around, stay away from windows and stay as sheltered as possible.

• Hail: If you notice that the rain is turning into hail, or you start to hear the pounding on your roof or windows, get to shelter. Hailstones the size of quarters or larger can cause serious damage to cars, windows, and roofs.

Tonight’s weather could get rough in northern Mississippi. Severe thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding are all possible, so don’t wait until the last minute to get ready. Make sure you’re indoors, your outdoor stuff is secured, and your emergency kit is ready in case the power goes out. Stay tuned to your local weather updates for the latest information on the storms as they develop.