Rankin County warns of severe storms, opens safe room

Rankin County authorities warned residents of hail, heavy rain and the possibility of tornadoes later this afternoon and evening, and said the county safe room will be open to anyone seeking shelter, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

The sheriff’s office urged residents to act now and begin preparations for possible power outages and other impacts, saying they should take precautions before the severe weather system arrives. The post advised preparedness measures and reminded people that the safe room will be available with the issuance of tornado warnings.

The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving Rankin County, Mississippi, and routinely coordinates public safety messages and emergency sheltering during severe weather. Tornado warnings indicate conditions are imminent or occurring and prompt people to seek immediate shelter, officials say.

Residents are advised to secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, gather emergency supplies such as flashlights and batteries, and identify the nearest safe location in their home or the county safe room. We will provide more information as it becomes available.