6 dead and 3 missing after Mississippi tornadoes, watches and warnings expire across Coast
By Sun Herald
Editor’s note: This story has been made available for free, for all readers. Please consider supporting local journalism through the purchase of a digital subscription.
A massive severe weather system moving across the country delivered damaging winds, deadly dust storms and fanned wildfires Friday. Today, Mississippi is among the states in the system’s crosshairs.
We will be following events across the state and region throughout the day and evening and updating this story often, as events warrant.
7:45 a.m.: Gov. Tate Reeves announced that the death toll has risen to 6 in Mississippi. The governor posted on social media that 6 deaths have been reported – one in Covington County, two in Jeff Davis County, and three in Walthall County. He also said that three people are currently missing – two from Covington County and one from Walthall County. He added that preliminary reports indicate 29 injuries statewide – 15 in Covington County, two in Jeff Davis County, two in Pike County and 10 in Walthall County.
8:15 p.m.: All watches and warnings have expired for the Mississippi Coast. The only remaining advisory is a coastal flood advisory, which will remain in effect until 1 a.m. for Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. The National Weather Service report says “Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”
8:10 p.m.: National Weather Service Meteorologist Jabob Zeringue said that while there is still one line of strong storms still passing through the Mississippi Coast, the belief is that the worst is over in Mississippi.
The last of the tornado watches, which covered Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties, have expired, Zeringue said, and the storms rolling through Gulfport and Jackson County “could still produce some gusty winds, possibly up to 40 or 50 mph, but nothing more severe is expected.”
735 pm radar update: We are monitoring a strong thunderstorm currently moving through the Gulfport area. The storm is capable of producing wind gusts over 40 mph and small hail. The storm will affect northern parts of Jackson County in the next 30 minutes. pic.twitter.com/odN9Pt6tGk
7:45 p.m.: The National Weather Service said on social media “We are monitoring a strong thunderstorm currently moving through the Gulfport area. The storm is capable of producing wind gusts over 40 mph and small hail. The storm will affect northern parts of Jackson County in the next 30 minutes.”
655p - Strong to severe thunderstorms continues to move eastward through the MS Coast. A severe thunderstorm warnings and is in effect for portions of northern Jackson County. pic.twitter.com/epss8AD0BC
7 p.m.: The National Weather Service said this about the most recent radar report: “Strong to severe thunderstorms continue to move eastward through the MS Coast. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for portions of northern Jackson County.”
6:25 p.m.: The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center says Mississippi Coast residents should remain alert. Its most recent report says “The environment remains quite favorable for strong tornadoes, but will depend on storm mode going into the evening and early morning hours. ... While storm mode is currently a bit disorganized, shear, moisture and instability all remain favorable for conditionally strong tornadoes at any point this evening and through early morning.”
6:22 p.m.: The Associated Press is reporting 26 deaths outside Mississippi from Friday and Saturday’s storms. The AP says there were 12 fatalities in Missouri, 8 in Kansas, 3 in Texas and 3 in Arkansas. Additionally, there have been 3 confirmed deaths in Mississippi.
6:15 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Jones County, including Myrick and Ovett. The warning is in effect until 6:45 p.m.
6 p.m.: The watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service are piling up across the Mississippi Coast. We have the following all currently in effect:
Coastal flood advisory: Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties until 1 a.m. The NWS says the flooding of lots, parks, and roads with isolated road closures is expected.
High wind warning: In effect until 7 p.m. for Hancock County. The NWS says damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines, widespread power outages are expected and travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Wind advisory: In effect until 7 p.m. for Harrison and Jackson counties. The NWS says gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Tornado watch: In effect until 8 p.m. for Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. The watch indicates that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado.
Flash flood warning: In effect until 8:30 p.m. for Hancock County. The NWS says to expect flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
Severe thunderstorm warning: In effect until 6:15 p.m. for Hancock County. The NWS says severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Stennis Space Center to near New Orleans, moving east at 50 mph.
5:35 p.m.: A line of storms is moving into the Mississippi Coast.
Phil Grigsby, a forecaster at the National Weather Service New Orleans, said at 5:30 p.m. that storms were hitting the agency’s office in Slidell and would soon move into Hancock County.
He said Mississippi Coast residents should watch for three main threats over the next several hours. The region is at risk for strong tornadoes that could stay on the ground over several miles. Winds up to 60 and 70 mph are possible. Grigsby also said the storms could drop hail over an inch in diameter.
The storms are moving east across the area and expected to leave the Coast by 8 p.m.
Significant storm damage off Hwy 27 in Walthall County. Rescues are in progress in this area. Emergency crews from Lawrence, Lincoln, and MHP on scene to assist. #mswxpic.twitter.com/YJXu1d1InO
5:14 p.m.: Holly Emery of WLBT-TV in Jackson has reported that 3 people are dead in Walthall County due to storms this afternoon, according to Walthall County EMA Director Royce McKee. She said crews are currently on scene working to clear debris from Bethlehem Loop Road.
508p - The line of strong to severe storms continues to move eastward through the area. The severe weather threat has ended for areas west of the blue line. pic.twitter.com/14voWRf4ti
5 p.m.: The National Weather Service said this about the status of the storm line: “The line of strong to severe storms continues to move eastward through the area. The severe weather threat has ended for areas west of the blue line.”
4:51 p.m.: Hancock County reports there are 23 roads that have taken on water during today’s storm. The only one that is impassible for vehicles is Kament Street.
4:12 p.m.: All six South Mississippi Counties are now under a tornado watch. The National Weather Service has issued a watch until 6 p.m. for Pearl River, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. The watch extends until 8 p.m. for Stone and George counties.
401p - While there are currently no severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings in effect for our local area, thunderstorms continue to progress eastward and additional warnings are possible. A tornado watch remains in effect for portions of the area through 6pm. pic.twitter.com/F2NMVXfx0K
4 p.m.: The National Weather Service’s New Orleans office had the following to say about the most recent radar loop: “While there are currently no severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings in effect for our local area, thunderstorms continue to progress eastward and additional warnings are possible. A tornado watch remains in effect for portions of the area through 6pm.”
3:53 p.m.: WeatherNation posted drone video on social media of the aftermath of Saturday’s storms in Tylertown, where what is believed to be a large and powerful tornado did significant damage.
3:49 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for parts of central Mississippi including Meridian, Bay Springs and Marion. The warning extends until 4:45 p.m.
3:43 p.m.: The northern part of Mississippi’s Southern 6 counties should beware, according to the National Weather Service. As storms approach, parts of Pearl River, Stone and George counties are inside the area identified as having “multiple supercells capable of intense to potentially violent tornadoes” into the evening.
323p - Areas west of the blue line are now all clear for severe weather. East of the line, the severe weather threat continues. Stay weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings. pic.twitter.com/geMcaxSIQb
3:25 p.m.: The National Weather Service says this about the latest radar: “Areas west of the blue line are now all clear for severe weather. East of the line, the severe weather threat continues. Stay weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings.”
We just intercepted this large tornado passing through Taylorsville, Mississippi right in front of us with the octagon probe mere yards from the circulation in the front pressure lobe of the storm gathering scientific data and video!
3 p.m.: Taylorsville was the site of an incredible weather event Saturday, with a tornado strike and an earthquake the same afternoon. Early reports indicate a magnitude earthquake of between 2.8 and 3.0. There were no early reports of injuries from either the tornado or earthquake.
2:25 p.m.: The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has issued the following report:
“The most concerning tornado threat for the next 1 to 2 hours extends from south-central Mississippi vicinity to far west-central Alabama.”
Additionally, it reports “Several supercells across southern Mississippi have already produced intense to violent tornadoes, including 2 paths within very close proximity from Walthall to Marion counties from consecutive supercells. These supercells and a few others which have recently developed across St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parishes are the storms of greatest tornadic concern over the next 1 to 2 hours. These supercells are in the centroid of the greatest STP (6+) and in the closest proximity to the upper 70s to low 80s temperatures where surface winds remain backed. Expect this environment to maintain through the afternoon as a meso-low (~994mb) currently across central Mississippi translates northeast at a similar speed to the mean storm motion.”
212p - Currently there are two tornado warnings in effect one for a storm over pike County and another for the storm in Washington Parish. There is also a flash flood warning near Baton Rouge.
Stay weather aware and take shelter immediately if warnings are issued for your area. pic.twitter.com/2bscpRHXo8
2:15 p.m.: Radar shows storms continuing to fire across Louisiana and make their way toward Mississippi. The National Weather Service’s New Orleans office said this on X: “Currently there are two tornado warnings in effect one for a storm over Pike County and another for the storm in Washington Parish. There is also a flash flood warning near Baton Rouge. Stay weather aware and take shelter immediately if warnings are issued for your area.”
2:11 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning that covers Bay Springs, Stonewall and Enterprise, and is in effect until 3:15 p.m.
2 p.m.: Dangerous storms were still west of the Mississippi Coast around 2 p.m. Saturday, said Lauren Nash, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Slidell.
The storms are still expected to move closer to Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties between 3 and 7 p.m. Nash said residents should keep watching the forecast, especially early Saturday evening.
1:48 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning that includes McComb, Magnolia and Summit in Mississippi. The warning extends until 2:30 p.m.
138p - HEADS UP DARBUN!!! If you’re not in shelter already, get there NOW!!! A potentially strong tornado is headed your way! pic.twitter.com/qU2dPgJKPm
1:40 p.m.: The National Weather Service alerts Darbun, posting on X: “HEADS UP DARBUN!!! If you’re not in shelter already, get there NOW!!! A potentially strong tornado is headed your way!”
1:35 p.m.: The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center says “Multiple mature supercells have developed from central to south-central Mississippi. One of these supercells has already produced a likely violent tornado across Walthall County. The environment downstream of these supercells continues to destabilize, which will maintain the threat through the afternoon and likely into the evening.”
1:32 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for parts of East Mississippi. The warning, which includes Union, Collinsville and Decatur, is in effect until 2:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m.: Fox 8 New Orleans posted video online from a suspected tornado strike at the East Fork Country Store in Kentwood, Louisiana, just south of the Mississippi state line.
1:23 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning that includes Amory, Fulton and Smithville in northeast Mississippi. The warning lasts until 2 p.m.
Large and dangerous tornado approaching northwest Marion, south Lawrence, and southwest Jefferson Davis counties! Tilton, Oak Vale, Society Hill, and surrounding areas are in the immediate path.
1:01 p.m.: The NWS has declared a tornado emergency near Meridian. The NWS says a tornado emergency “is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level. It is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. There is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.”
1255p - Big picture update - Ongoing tornado in Walthall County, but there are still other strong storms across other portions of the area, too. The line of storms continues to progress eastward & the severe weather threat continues. A tornado watch remains in effect until 6p. pic.twitter.com/Gpu0LmExmO
1 p.m.: Regarding the most recent radar out of Louisiana, the National Weather Service says “Ongoing tornado in Walthall County, but there are still other strong storms across other portions of the area, too. The line of storms continues to progress eastward & the severe weather threat continues. A tornado watch remains in effect until 6p.”
12:52p - This is now a TORNADO EMERGENCY for rural northern Walthall County. This confirmed, large and destructive tornado will be crossing Hwy 27 southwest of Salem. If you are in the path of this storm (including Salem and Darbun) TAKE SHELTER NOW!!!! pic.twitter.com/aiend6Gu9P
12:54 p.m.: The National Weather Service has declared a tornado emergency in Darbun. The NWS says a tornado emergency “is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level. It is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. There is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.”
12:42 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued another tornado warning for southwest Mississippi. This one covers Prentiss, Bassfield and Silver Creek, and lasts until 1:45 p.m.
1229p - HEADS UP TYLERTOWN!!! If this storm continues on its current track, the confirmed tornado will be very near Tylertown in about 20 minutes. TAKE SHELTER NOW!!! pic.twitter.com/lMT79tDomS
12:32 p.m.: Tylertown, in southwest Mississippi’s Walthall County, has a National Weather Service-confirmed tornado moving in its direction. At the current pace, it would arrive around 12:50 p.m.
12:21p - The storm near Kentwood now has a “radar confirmed” tornado. There is evidence of debris being lofted into the air (right panel). This storm is moving northeast at 50 mph & a tornado warning remains in effect til 1pm. Take shelter NOW if you’re in the path of this storm pic.twitter.com/98T8CYlLE1
12:20 p.m.: The National Weather Service in Jackson says “The threat for long track intense to violent tornadoes is increasing across much of south and central Mississippi. Take these storms very seriously!”
12:12 p.m.: The National Weather Service’s New Orleans office has issued a tornado warning for Kentwood, Louisiana; Tylertown, Mississippi; and Tangipahoa, Louisiana, until 1 p.m.
1205p - The first line of storms continues to move eastward while a second line takes shape near the Atchafalaya River. The severe weather threat continues. pic.twitter.com/i59sa4MrBo
12:05 p.m.: About the most recent radar, the National Weather Service’s New Orleans office says “The first line of storms continues to move eastward while a second line takes shape near the Atchafalaya River. The severe weather threat continues.”
Noon: The tornado watch in effect until 6 p.m. for parts of Louisiana and most of Misssissippi as far south as Pearl River County constitutes what the National Weather Service terms a “particularly dangerous situation,” meaning a violent tornado is three times more likely than normal, atmospheric scientist and meteorologist Matthew Cappucci warns.
“It’s a red letter day,” Cappucci told followers on X. He advised anyone in the watch area who is in a mobile home to evacuate to safe shelter and said those in the watch area should stay no more than 5 minutes from such shelter in case a tornado warning is issued.
A tornado watch means a tornado is possible, while a warning means one is imminent. A particularly dangerous situation, in weather service parlance, means “rare situations when long-lived, strong and violent tornadoes are possible.”
Cappucci said, “This afternoon and this evening could be very bad. That’s why you have to take action now.”
—Anita Lee
️ A PDS, or Particularly Dangerous Situation, tornado watch has been issued for eastern Louisiana and most of Mississippi until 6 p.m. CT.
11:53 a.m.: The National Weather Service in Jackson has issued a tornado warning, lasting until 12:45 p.m. The Mississippi Emergency Managment Agency says the warning covers Carroll, Holmes, Humphreys and Yazoo counties.
If you're in the black outlined area, the severe weather threat is diminishing rapidly. We're mostly concerned with areas along and southeast of the line of storms for the rest of the afternoon. ️️️ pic.twitter.com/K6uIzLllfQ
11:29a - The initial line of storms continues to move eastward. A second line is starting to form near the Atchafalaya River. The severe weather threat continues, and a tornado watch remains in effect for areas along/north of I-10/12. Have multiple ways to get warnings today! pic.twitter.com/af0RRIhEL6
11:30 a.m.: The National Weather Service in Slidell says this about the most recent radar: “The initial line of storms continues to move eastward. A second line is starting to form near the Atchafalaya River. The severe weather threat continues, and a tornado watch remains in effect for areas along/north of I-10/12.”
11:21 a.m.: Greenwood, which was hit by a tornado less than 12 hours ago, is one of the towns in the most recent tornado warning. The National Weather Service in Jackson says this warning will remain in effect until noon.
11:15 a.m.: The Greenwood Commonwealth is reporting that a tornado damaged dozens of homes in the area as Friday turned to Saturday, but that no deaths or injuries have been reported.
1104a - This broken line of storms is strengthening and some storms will be capable of producing tornadoes, damaging wind & large hail as the line moves eastward.
Stay weather aware! Have multiple ways to receive warnings, and take shelter if a warning is issued for your area. pic.twitter.com/v9Gu998drq
11:10 a.m.: The National Weather Service in New Orleans says this broken line of storms is strengthening and some storms will be capable of producing tornadoes, damaging wind and large hail as the line moves eastward.
10:36 a.m.: Tornado warnings have been issued for parts of Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency says affected counties include Lafayette, Panola, Tallahatchie and Yalobusha, along with Amite and Wilkinson. The warnings last until 11:15 a.m.
10:35 a.m.: Pearl River County is the first of Mississippi’s southern six counties to be placed under a tornado watch by the National Weather Service. Nearly 3.5 million people live in the watch area, which covers nearly the entire state. The watch lasts until 6 p.m.
10:30 a.m.: The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is keeping a list of severe-weather shelters that are open, or will soon open, across the state.
10:30 a.m.: The Associated Press is reporting that the death toll from Friday night’s outbreak has reached 16. The AP reports ten people were killed in Missouri after a tornado outbreak, according to the Missouri State Highway patrol. Additionally, officials in Arkansas said three people died in Independence County, while Texas officials have confirmed that three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle.
10:20 a.m.: The National Weather Service office in New Orleans says the danger is increasing to our north. The NWS office commented on a Severe Weather Center post on X by saying “A Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Watch will be issued soon. It may include portions of the local area. Pleas stay weather aware today and know where you will go if a tornado warning is issued for your area.”
The National Weather Service outlook for Saturday shows a threat level of Moderate for the Mississippi Coast. National Weather Service
Advisories in effect
10 a.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory and a wind advisory for all three Mississippi Coast counties: Hancock, Harrison and Jackson.
Coastal flood advisory: Minor coastal flooding is expected in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties, with tidal levels reaching around one foot above normal. The advisory extends until 1 a.m. Sunday.
Wind advisory: South winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, are expected across the Coast. Additionally, gusts could reach as high as 70 mph or more.
9:45 a.m.: Megan Williams, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Slidell, says severe weather has arrived in western Louisiana as it makes its way toward the Mississippi Coast. She says the Coast, which remains under a Moderate threat level (4 of 5), could see long-track tornadoes, winds of more than 60 mph and damaging hail. The timing of the storm remains unchanged on the Coast, with an expected arrival time of around 1 p.m. in Hancock County. She says the severe weather threat is expected to continue to around 8 p.m.
9:30 a.m.: Gov. Tate Reeves posted an update Saturday morning on the social media site X, with news from Friday storms. The governor reported that “Preliminary reports indicate three people were injured and hospitalized in Grenada County. This number is expected to increase. Mississippi is praying for those healing.”
He added that the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has received reports that a cell entered the state in Issaquena County and exited in Itawamba County, causing significant damage. The governor wrote that damage assessments are underway and that six counties are reporting damage: Calhoun, Carroll, Grenada, Humphreys, Leflore, Montgomery.
Visibility was reduced as a dust storm passed through Amarillo, Texas, on Friday, March 14. Michael Cuviello USA TODAY NETWORK
National death toll reaches 5
9:20 a.m.: The Associated Press is reporting that the death toll from Friday has reached 5, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that two adults were killed in the Bakersfield area in Ozark County and multiple people were injured. Additionally the AP reports three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo County in the Texas Panhandle. One pileup involved an estimated 38 cars.
The National Weather Service’s latest report on the timing of expected severe weather. National Weather Service
When will storm arrive?
8 a.m.: The National Weather Service in New Orleans reported Saturday morning that the expected arrival time of severe weather will be “slightly slower” than yesterday’s prediction.
While warning that storms could develop ahead of the main line, the current prediction is that the Mississippi Coast would experience severe weather between 1 and 8 p.m., with the main line moving through the area between 3 and 7 p.m.
The entire state of Mississippi is under a risk for severe weather beginning tonight (3/14/25) and lasting throughout the day tomorrow (3/15/25). Please take this severe weather threat seriously. Here is a message from MEMA Executive Director, Stephen McCraney: pic.twitter.com/MvI93B8Qt4
8 a.m.: Announcements have been made that shelters will be open in Hancock and Pearl River Counties.
Hancock County: The county announced on social media that four shelters would be open Saturday at noon. They are: Dedeaux Shelter, 1095 Road 350, Kiln; Leetown Shelter, 28900 Leetown Road, Picayune; Kiln Shelter, 18320 Highway 43, Kiln; Necaise Shelter, 30360 Highway 603, Perkinston.
Pearl River County: The county opened shelters at 8 a.m. Saturday in the following locations: Poplarville Shelter, 124 Rodeo Street, Poplarville: Carriere Shelter, 7431 Highway 11, Carriere; Picayune Shelter, 501 Laurel Street, Picayune.
Parts of Mississippi and Alabama are under the highest risk level the National Weather Service issues. Storm Prediction Center
A historic warning
The National Weather Service, on Friday, predicted a “likely tornado outbreak” from southeast Louisiana to Huntsville, Alabama. A large area between Hattiesburg, Jackson and Birmingham is at risk level 5 — the most severe forecast the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center offers. The Storm Prediction Center said it was only the third time since 2006 that high of a risk had been issued two days before a storm hits.
Friday, meteorologist Nick Lilja, who is based in Houston, reminded his Facebook followers that fewer weather balloons are collecting data, and fewer forecasters are reviewing and analyzing data at National Weather Service offices because of layoffs and a hiring freeze.
Lilja’s concerns echo those of other experienced Gulf meteorologists who warned even before Donald Trump took office that the weather service was understaffed and underfunded.
— Anita Lee
This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 8:37 AM.
