The National Weather Service in Jackson issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 3:39 p.m. CDT Friday for portions of central Mississippi, saying the warning remains in effect until 4:45 p.m.
The warning covered southwestern Rankin, western Simpson, southern Hinds and central Copiah counties, the service said. At the time of issuance, a storm was located over Learned, near Raymond, moving southeast at 20 mph, the bulletin said.
The NWS said radar indicated hazards included 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. The bulletin also listed a radar-indicated maximum hail size of 1.00 inch. The service warned that hail damage to vehicles was expected and that winds could damage roofs, siding and trees.
The NWS provided specific timing for communities in the storm’s path: Dry Grove around 3:45 p.m., Crystal Springs around 4 p.m., Gallman around 4:10 p.m. and Hazlehurst around 4:20 p.m., the bulletin said. It advised residents to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for protection.
The National Weather Service routinely issues such warnings when radar or spotter reports indicate damaging winds or hail. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
