Severe weather possible through Wednesday

THOMAS HOWARD |, The Meridian Star, Miss.
·2 min read

Apr. 9—Lauderdale County residents will want to keep an eye on the skies as the possibility of severe weather is forecast through Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, rain is likely through Wednesday night creating the potential for flash flooding in low lying areas and places with poor drainage.

Damaging winds, severe storms, hail and the possibility of tornadoes will move east across the state beginning Tuesday afternoon. In its forecast discussion the weather service said rain may let up heading into Tuesday night, but precipitation will return Wednesday.

Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, golf ball sized hail and potential tornadoes will be possible throughout the day Wednesday.

"The current timing looks like it will be from late Wednesday morning into late Wednesday evening before the front shifts east into Alabama," the NWS said in its forecast discussion. "Heavy rainfall will continue to be a big risk on Wednesday also, with total rainfall accumulation ranging from around seven inches across the Delta to around 2.5 inches in the Pine Belt region through Wednesday evening."

Meridian and Lauderdale County could see as much as three or four inches of rain from the storms, with other parts of the state seeing as much as seven inches.

The National Weather Service on social media encouraged residents to prepare for severe weather ahead of the storms by ensuring they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, know which county they are in and know names of the surrounding communities and identify safe places to take shelter.

In the event of flash flooding, residents are urged to get to higher ground and avoid driving through flooded areas.

The threat of severe weather is expected to be east of the state Thursday, however some rain will be possible throughout the day. The forecast calls for clearing skies Thursday evening and into the night to end the week with sunny conditions Friday and into the weekend.

Contact Thomas Howard at thoward@themeridianstar.com