At 3:22 p.m. CST Saturday, the National Weather Service in Jackson issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of central Mississippi, including Rankin, Hinds, Copiah and Madison counties. The warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. CST, the agency said.
The NWS said radar indicated the storm was located seven miles south of Dry Grove, or seven miles northwest of Crystal Springs, moving northeast at 35 mph. The warning listed hazards of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail; the advisory also noted a maximum hail size of 1.00 inch and a maximum wind gust of 60 mph.
The service said hail damage to vehicles is expected and that residents should expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees. It advised people to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for their protection.
Areas listed with approximate arrival times included Crystal Springs and Dry Grove about 3:25 p.m.; Jackson and Terry about 3:30 p.m.; Byram and Raymond about 3:35 p.m.; Richland about 3:50 p.m.; Clinton about 3:55 p.m.; Pearl and Flowood about 4:00 p.m.; Ridgeland about 4:05 p.m.; and Madison about 4:10 p.m., the NWS said. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
