Tornado warning issued for Jasper, Jones, Smith counties in Mississippi

A tornado warning was in effect for Jasper, Jones and Smith counties in Mississippi until 2:15 a.m. CST, according to a Facebook post alerting residents to the threat.

A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted or that radar has detected conditions that could produce a tornado, the National Weather Service says. Warnings differ from watches in that they call for immediate protective action by people in the affected area.

Residents in the warned counties should move to a safe location immediately, such as an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, and avoid windows. Mobile homes and vehicles offer little protection from tornadoes, and people should seek nearby substantial shelter if possible.

Tornadoes can produce destructive winds, large hail and dangerous flying debris. Local emergency officials and weather services typically provide updates through radio, television and social media; residents should monitor those channels for further instructions. We will provide more information as it becomes available.