Buckle up, Jackson! This afternoon, we’re in for some rough weather. Severe storms are moving in, and they could bring a mix of hail, strong winds, and heavy rain that’ll make the roads dangerous and possibly cause some damage. If you’ve got any plans to be out and about, now’s the time to take a pause and think about how to stay safe.
What’s Coming Our Way:
This afternoon, a cold front is pushing through, and with it, some intense thunderstorms are heading straight for Jackson. These storms could pack a punch with hail, which might range from small, pea-sized chunks to something much bigger. If you’re outside, this could hurt — so it’s best to find shelter ASAP.
Along with the hail, strong winds of up to 60 mph are expected to blow through, possibly knocking over trees or sending debris flying. That kind of wind could make it tough to even stand outside or drive safely. On top of all that, heavy rainfall will likely cause flash flooding in some areas, especially in places that tend to flood easily.
What You Should Expect:
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Hail: Hail can be pretty unpredictable, but there’s a chance we’ll see stones large enough to cause some damage. The biggest pieces could break windows, dent cars, and even cause harm to plants and crops. If you’re caught in it, the best thing to do is find shelter — quick!
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Wind Gusts: Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are not to be taken lightly. These winds could bring down trees, power lines, and any loose outdoor objects you’ve got sitting around. Make sure things like trash cans, lawn chairs, or anything light and unsecured are put away, or you might find them across the yard (or worse).
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Heavy Rain: Expect heavy rain to fall quickly, and that can lead to flooding in low-lying areas. Streets that usually flood will likely do so again, and even areas that don’t typically get much water may find themselves with rising water levels. Visibility on the roads will be poor, so if you’re driving, go slow, and use low beams.
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Flash Flooding: Low spots in Jackson, especially near streams, rivers, or poorly draining streets, could see flash flooding. Even if you’re used to the occasional storm, this one has the potential to create some major puddles (and even some mini rivers) on the streets, so be cautious and don’t drive through flooded areas.
How to Stay Safe:
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Take Shelter: If the storm hits while you’re outside, find shelter immediately. A sturdy building is your best bet — or your car if you’re on the road. Avoid taking shelter under trees or anything that could get blown over.
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Secure Loose Items: Before the storm hits, go outside and make sure everything that’s not anchored down is secure. This could mean bringing in your trash cans, covering plants, or tying down anything lightweight that could fly around in the wind.
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Stay Off the Roads: The weather will make driving especially risky, with low visibility and the wind gusts making it difficult to control your vehicle. If you can, stay off the roads. If you do have to drive, take it slow, keep your distance from other vehicles, and be prepared to stop quickly if the rain gets too heavy.
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Stay Away from Windows: When the storm is at its worst, stay away from windows and glass doors. The wind could blow debris around, and hail could shatter windows. Stay inside and away from anything that could break.
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Be Ready for Power Outages: With the winds and the possibility of trees coming down, there’s a chance of power outages. Charge your phone ahead of time, keep a flashlight handy, and have some extra batteries ready in case the power goes out.
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Stay Updated: The weather could change quickly, so it’s important to stay informed. Keep your phone charged, and make sure you have severe weather alerts set up so you can get real-time updates on the storm’s progress.
Severe weather is rolling into Jackson this afternoon, and it’s going to bring some serious risks. Hail, strong winds, and heavy rain are all on the menu, and it’s crucial to be prepared for the storm. If you don’t have to be out, stay inside and keep an eye on the latest updates. If you do need to drive, stay cautious, and remember that conditions can change rapidly.
