Jackson and Madison County Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning
The National Weather Service in Jackson, Mississippi has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Jackson and Madison County until 9:45 p.m. on this evening. Residents in the warned area should take precautions as strong to damaging winds, large hail, and flashes of lightning are possible with this storm system moving through the area.
At around 7:15 p.m., a line of severe thunderstorms was located along a line extending from near Frostburg to near Arlington, moving east at 40 mph. These storms are capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Brief heavy rainfall with these storms may also cause ponding on roadways. Locations impacted include Jackson, Madison, Canton, Ridgeland, Flowood, Pearl, Byram, Clinton, and Gluckstadt.
The main threats from this storm are damaging winds that could cause downed trees and power lines as well as scattered power outages. Residents should find safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows. Mobile homes are especially vulnerable to high winds and their residents should seek shelter elsewhere. Additionally, hail as large as quarters could cause damage to vehicles, siding, and foliage if encountered. Drivers should use caution on the roads as heavy rainfall may reduce visibility suddenly and cause hydroplaning.
With a rapid movement of 40 mph, the storms will impact western parts of Jackson within the next 15-30 minutes. Downtown Jackson and points east can expect the storms between 8:00-8:30 p.m. The far eastern edges of Madison County such as Canton and Flora will see impacts closer to 9:00-9:30 p.m. As the line of storms continues progressing eastward at 40 mph, it will move out of the warned area by around 9:45 p.m. However, an isolated strong storm could linger beyond the expiration time.
Those under the warning should immediately move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows as flying debris from high winds outside pose a danger. Mobile homes are not safe shelters. If in a vehicle, trailer, or outdoors, move quickly to the enclosure of a sturdy building or storm shelter. As a last resort, move to a low-lying area away from trees and power lines. Monitor local media and NOAA weather radio for updated statements from the National Weather Service.
Proactive steps residents can take include securing lightweight outdoor objects like patio furniture, small boats, and trash cans that could become projectiles in high winds. Trim dead tree branches that may break off more easily. Charge mobile phones fully in case the power goes out. Make sure chargeable flashlights are ready. Aerial finished siding and roofing materials could also be damaged, so these areas of homes and businesses will be more vulnerable. Boarding up windows is usually not recommended due to the risks of flying debris. Having multiple ways to receive emergency weather alerts is prudent as cellular data may be disrupted.
Already this evening, the National Weather Service had issued a special marine warning for high winds and rough seas for area lakes. These severe thunderstorms pose additional risks for those out on the water. All boaters are urged to return to dock immediately and seek safe shelter on shore until the storms have passed well east of the area. Strong wind gusts can quickly capsize even large vessels. Lightning is also extremely dangerous for anyone in the water or on exposed upper decks.
Even after the warning expires around 9:45 p.m., scattered thunderstorms may still rumble through overnight as the front moves eastward. An isolated strong to severe cell cannot be ruled out during this time frame. However, the primary threat for widespread severe weather is focused with this initial line of storms currently moving through the area. Once it clears the warned counties by late evening, conditions should gradually improve overnight under partly cloudy skies. Some patchy fog may develop toward morning in low-lying areas if rain-cooled air settles.
The severe thunderstorm impacts Jackson and Madison County this evening serve as an important reminder that it is always essential to have multiple reliable ways to receive urgent weather alerts from the National Weather Service. While warnings provide advance notice of impending severe weather hazards, those hazards can still pose a lethal threat. Taking precautions when warnings are issued can help reduce risks to lives and property. Local broadcast meteorologists will continue monitoring this storm system closely and provide updates on-air and online. Residents are urged to stay tuned for the latest statement from the National Weather Service Jackson office regarding the threat through late this evening.