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

Mississippi is facing a severe weather threat this weekend that could delay holiday travel for some people. Several storms have snow and rain fell throughout the country. Now, a series of storms are threatening to bring severe thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain and possible 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 in extreme weather. Sign up for alerts on your phone to make sure you have the latest severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches 24/7.

According to forecasts from National Weather Service in Jacksonthe area is under a marginal risk of isolated severe storms and damaging gusts until 4 pm friday, and the possibility of a tornado cannot be ruled out.

Saturday afternoon and evening there is an increased risk of strong storms in most of the area. Tornadoes are likely, possibly strong. Severe storms are likely, and there could be damaging winds with gusts up to 70 mph and large hail, up to about golf ball size.

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

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

Most of northern Mississippi is under a slight risk of lightning and excessive rain Friday and Saturday, and some counties covered by the Memphis NWS station will be under an intensified string of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes on Saturday. There will also be a chance of hail.

In the southern part of the state there is a marginal risk of severe weather until around 7am on Saturday. However, from Saturday morning through Sunday morning, there will be a slight and increased risk of damaging winds, tornadoes and large hail. According to New Orleans/Baton Rouge NWS office viewthe timing of the storms is not certain.

Safety tips for severe weather

• Know your safe place.

• Has multiple ways to get weather alerts.

• Review your action plan with your family.

• Make sure mobile devices are charged.

Tornado shelter safety tips

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

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

Mississippi weather radar map

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