Severe thunderstorms and hail possible on the Mississippi Coast. Here’s the forecast.

A severe thunderstorm watch for Harrison and Jackson counties has been lifted, according to the National Weather Service.

The service issued a watch until 10 a.m. Friday and warned of strong storms that rolled across the Mississippi Coast through 9:30 a.m.

Cities under that watch included Gautier, Gulfport, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula and St. Martin.

The storms were part of a system that caused deeper damage further north. One person died in Madison County, just north of Jackson, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said in a news release. Downed trees blocked Highway 28 in Jones County and crews rushed to clean debris on roads near Jackson, where images on Twitter showed trees fallen onto homes and strong winds that damaged power lines.

Hail, heavy rains and winds of over 40 mph were also expected Friday morning in cities across Southern Mississippi, the Weather Service said, but it was not immediately clear if the storms caused damage in Harrison or Jackson counties. The Weather Service also warned of downed tree limbs and risk of damage to unsecured outdoor objects.

The only warning currently in place across Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties is a heat advisory that extends until 7 p.m. Heat index values could reach 110, the Weather Service said.

Showers and thunderstorms are also likely Friday night.

This story was originally published June 16, 2023 at 8:52 AM.