Tornadoes again possible on the Coast as spring brings another severe weather threat

This Mississippi Coast is again at risk of severe weather Thursday, the National Weather Service in New Orleans said.

Hancock and Pearl River counties are under a slight risk, and that increases to an enhanced risk from Harrison and Stone counties eastward.

Threats include isolated tornadoes, heavy rain, wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to 1 inch in diameter.

The first round of storms is expected between midnight and 6 a.m., and another round is predicted between mid-morning and early afternoon, said Harrison County Emergency Management Director Rupert Lacy.

At his daily press conference on COVID-19, Gov. Tate Reeves also warned Mississippians that significant amounts of rain and flash flooding were possible across the state.

He said this system could cause issues because it is hitting the state overnight, when people are sleeping and not paying attention to weather notifications.

“Pay attention to your weather alerts,” EMA Director Greg Michel said at the press conference.

Mississippi has had severe weather and tornadoes over the past two weekends, including on Easter when there were 100 tornadoes confirmed in the state.

Forecast

Tonight

A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Cloudy, with a low around 70. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. High near 81. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 61. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 83. West wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind around 5 mph.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. North wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 54. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.