NWS issues severe thunderstorm warnings for central Mississippi

The National Weather Service in Jackson issued a severe thunderstorm warning Thursday for parts of central and southeastern Mississippi, saying the warning was in effect until 10:15 p.m. CDT.

The warning covered southeastern Rankin County, Simpson County, Smith County, northwestern Covington County, northeastern Lawrence County, south-central Scott County and northwestern Jefferson Davis County, the agency said.

At 9:08 p.m. CDT, the service said a severe thunderstorm was located over Magee moving south at 25 mph. Radar indicated maximum wind gusts of 60 mph and hail less than 0.75 inch. The NWS said the storm could damage roofs, siding and trees.

The agency listed estimated times of arrival for towns along the storm track: Mount Olive around 9:15 p.m.; Clem around 9:20 p.m.; Lone Star around 9:30 p.m.; Prentiss around 9:40 p.m.; and Progress around 9:55 p.m., all CDT.

The NWS advised residents to “move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building” for protection and to avoid windows. The National Weather Service issues warnings when storms are capable of producing damaging winds or hail and advises people to take immediate shelter.

This is a developing situation. We will provide more information as it becomes available.