Storms in South MS could bring tornadoes and a 30-degree temperature drop. What to know

Two rounds of storms are expected to rumble through the Mississippi Coast this week with risk of hail, tornadoes and strong winds that forecasters say could drop temperatures by as much as 30 degrees.

The forecast spares the Coast from the most severe weather warnings. But areas north of Interstate 10 are at higher risk. Thunderstorms could begin gusting through the region by 8 p.m. Wednesday and peak between 10 p.m. and midnight.

“That’s when we’re most concerned about heavier storms,” said Phil Grigsby, a forecaster at the National Weather Service in Slidell.

Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties are under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. Grigsby said the greatest tornado risk is north of I-10 near Saucier, Wiggins, Picayune and east toward George County.

“But the threat still exists across the entire Mississippi Coast,” he said.

Forecasters are asking residents across the region to have a way to receive warnings in case of tornadoes or strong storms overnight Wednesday.

Weekend cool front

Cold air behind the storms could cool temperatures slightly on Thursday. Then the weather will mostly return to normal until the next round of storms arrives Saturday night.

The National Weather Service is warning again of strong wind, hail and tornadoes that evening. Grigsby said temperatures — which may reach the 80s again on Saturday — could drop by 30 degrees.

The weather should clear by Sunday. Forecasts show Sunday and Monday night lows could reach the 30s. Highs next week are in the 50s.

Severe weather is common on the Mississippi Coast in February, March and April because the region is transitioning from winter to summer. The difference in temperature can bring more fronts and storms.

This story was originally published February 12, 2025 at 12:34 PM.