Two Coast counties under tornado warning after large twister spotted in New Orleans

8 p.m. severe weather update

Hancock and Pearl River Counties are under a tornado warning until 8:30 p.m. after a storm capable of producing tornadoes moves toward the Coast from the New Orleans area.

The National Weather Service said the cell is moving northeast at 45 mph. The NWS retweeted a photo of a large tornado over New Orleans.

“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the NWS said. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

3 p.m. update

The National Weather Service advised Mississippians to keep a close watch for tornadoes, strong winds and coastal flooding now through late this evening.

In southern Mississippi, Amite, Hancock, Pearl River, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties are under flood watch through 1 a.m. The flood advisory for Harrison and Jackson counties will be in effect through 7 p.m.

The NWS advised more than 50 counties Hancock and Harrison counties to watch for tornadoes and damaging winds through 9 p.m.

Here are the local counties under tornado watch until 9 p.m.:

• Hancock
• Harrison
• Pearl River
• Greene
• Stone

The NWS classifies winds that exceed 50 miles per hour as damaging winds. Tonight’s wind gusts could be in excess of 60 miles per hour in South Mississippi counties. Pearl RIver, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties are among those under wind advisories through 9 p.m. At that speed, the winds could cause structural damage, uproot trees and knock down power lines. About 50 local households are currently without power.

The enhanced severe weather warning, which was issued Monday, also includes hail at least 1 inch in diameter. One-inch hail, about the size of a quarter, is enough to do serious damage to a roof or vehicle.

In anticipation of the severe weather, the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency will open two shelters at 3 p.m.

Here are the locations:

• Emergency Operations Center: 18333 Hwy 603, Kiln
• Leetown Shelter: 28290 Leetown Road, Leetown

For transportation assistance to the shelter, contact the Hancock County Emergency Operations Center at 228-255-0942.

Several schools and colleges closed early Tuesday or canceled classes due to weather threats.

This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 2:37 PM.

Mona Moore

Sun Herald

Mona Moore was a Service Journalism Desk Editor for the Sun Herald in Mississippi; Mahoning Matters in Ohio; and the Ledger-Enquirer and Telegraph in Georgia. Originally from West Covina, California, she holds a bachelor’s and master’s in corporate and public communication from the University of South Alabama. Mona’s writing and photography have been recognized by press associations in Mississippi, North Carolina and Florida.