Strong thunderstorms impact Jackson area; gusts reach 50 mph

A weather update posted to social media at 1:31 p.m. CDT Thursday warned that strong thunderstorms would impact southeastern Hinds and southwestern Rankin counties through 2:15 p.m. CDT, with wind gusts up to 50 mph, the alert said.

At 1:31 p.m., Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong storms near Whites and near Florence moving north at 5 mph, the update said. The advisory listed Jackson, Richland, Florence, Whites, Monterey and Star among locations that could be affected.

The update identified the primary hazard as wind gusts up to 50 mph and said radar indicated those gusts. It warned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Doppler radar is commonly used by meteorologists to detect storm motion and intensity; wind gusts of this magnitude can lead to localized damage, downed branches and brief power outages. Officials generally advise securing loose outdoor items and avoiding travel if conditions worsen.

The advisory also noted a maximum hail size of 0.00 inch and reiterated that those outdoors should consider seeking shelter inside a building. We will provide more information as it becomes available.