The weather forecast for Mississippi calls for storms, strong winds, heavy rain and possible tornadoes

Mississippi is facing a severe weather threat this weekend that could delay holiday travel for some people. Several storms have brought snow and rain across the country. Now, a series of severe weather events is threatening to bring severe thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain and likely tornadoes to parts of Mississippi and Louisiana on Friday and Saturday.

Be prepared with the latest weather forecast to keep you and your family safe during extreme weather conditions. Sign up to receive alerts on your phone and ensure you have the latest severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings 24/7.

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service in Jackson, there is a slight risk of isolated severe storms and damaging wind gusts in the area through 4 p.m. Friday, and the possibility of a tornado cannot be ruled out.

There is an increased risk of severe weather in most areas through Saturday afternoon and evening. Tornadoes are likely, possibly strong. Severe storms are likely, and there could be damaging winds with gusts up to 70 miles per hour and large hail that could reach about the size of a golf ball.

Up to 4 inches of rainfall and flash flooding are also possible in parts of central Mississippi through Saturday afternoon and evening.

The excerpt: We are more vulnerable to tornadoes than ever before

There is a slight risk of lightning and excessive rain across most of northern Mississippi on Friday and Saturday, and some counties covered by the NWS Memphis station will see increased thunderstorms and tornadoes on Saturday. There is also a risk of hail.

There is a slight risk of severe weather in the southern part of the state until about 7 a.m. Saturday. However, there is a slight and increased risk of damaging winds, tornadoes and large hail Saturday morning through Sunday morning. According to the forecast from the NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge office, the timing of the storms is uncertain.

Safety tips for storms

• Know your safe place.

• You have several options for receiving weather alerts.

• Discuss your action plan with your family.

• Make sure mobile devices are charged.

Tornado Shelter Safety Tips

The best protection option during a tornado is a FEMA-recommended storm shelter. The next best option is the interior or basement of a well-built home or building.

Bad options are large open spaces or manufactured homes. The worst options are RVs, vehicles, or under a highway overpass.

Mississippi weather radar map

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Be prepared: Strong storms and possible tornadoes are forecast in Mississippi