Severe weather is headed toward the Golden Triangle area this afternoon, and the National Weather Service in Jackson says tornadoes are possible and hail is a definite.
The area is under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. today.
The storm is expected to hit the area at around 3 p.m. and stay until 7 p.m., during which a half-inch to a full inch of rain is expected to be dumped upon the area. The weather service said the storm falls under the heading “moderate risk.”
Lowndes County Emergency Management authorites met this morning to discuss worst-case scenarios. Representatives from city and county schools were on hand.
“We are worried about the potential for severe weather,” Lowndes County Emergency Management Agnecy Executive Director Cindy Lawrence said. “They are calling for damaging winds in excess of 70 mph, golf ball-sized hail and possible tornadoes.
“This could happen during drive times. We just want to make sure that everyone has their severe weather plan ready.”
Lawrence said that three parishes in Louisiana have already sustained damage from straight-line winds in the storm, and that tornado sirens will sound if winds reach 70 mph.
The weather service urged the area”s residents to stay tuned to their local media outlets and have their weather radios on standby.
The storm is expected to clear out by tonight, and bring mostly clear and sunny skies Friday. The next chance of rain is predicted for Sunday.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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