Tornado watch issued for Rankin County, parts of Mississippi and Louisiana
The National Weather Service issued Tornado Watch 186 in effect until 11 p.m. CDT Thursday for Rankin County and large portions of central and eastern Mississippi and northeastern Louisiana, the agency said.
The watch covers five parishes in northeast Louisiana — Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Madison and Tensas — and 35 counties in Mississippi. Counties listed include central Mississippi counties such as Attala, Hinds, Madison, Rankin and Yazoo; east central counties including Clarke, Lauderdale and Newton; and other areas from Jefferson Davis and Forrest to Adams and Warren.
The watch also covers many communities across the area, including Jackson, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Natchez, Vicksburg and Starkville, among others, the National Weather Service said. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and widespread severe thunderstorms. Residents should review safety plans, secure loose outdoor items and be ready to take shelter if warnings are issued.
This is a developing situation. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
