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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.
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Death toll reaches 6 in Mississippi7:45 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 he been reported – one in Covington County, two in Jeff Dis 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 Dis County, two in Pike County and 10 in Walthall County.
—Tim Thorsen
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Just one advisory remains8:15 p.m.: All watches and warnings he 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 trel 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.”
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Nearly all clear on the Coast8:10 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, he 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Devastation at Paradise Ranch7:55 p.m.: Fox 8 in New Orleans posted video on social media showing the extent of the disaster at the Paradise Ranch RV Resort in Tylertown.
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Strong storm in Gulfport7:45 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Latest storm radar7 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.”
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Coast not out of the woods6:25 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 forable 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 forable for conditionally strong tornadoes at any point this evening and through early morning.”
—Tim Thorsen
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29 dead nationwide6:22 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 he been 3 confirmed deaths in Mississippi.
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Jones County tornado warning6:15 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Coast watches and warnings piling up6 p.m.: The watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service are piling up across the Mississippi Coast. We he 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHigh 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 trel 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 forable 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSevere 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Action picking up on the Coast5:35 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe storms are moving east across the area and expected to lee the Coast by 8 p.m.
—Tim Thorsen
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First 3 Mississippi fatalities reported5:14 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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5 p.m. radar report5 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.”
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Streets taking on water4:51 p.m.: Hancock County reports there are 23 roads that he taken on water during today’s storm. The only one that is impassible for vehicles is Kament Street.
—Tim Thorsen
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Video from Grenada County4:40 p.m.: Meteorologist Matt Laubhan posted this video on X showing the effects of Saturday’s storm in Elliott.
—Tim Thorsen
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Pearl River County under tornado warning4:30 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning that covers a small part of Pearl River County.
—Tim Thorsen
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All of South MS under tornado watch4:12 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.
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The latest radar report4 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Tylertown video3:53 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.
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Tornado warning includes Meridian3:49 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Pearl River, Stone, George counties beware3:43 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 hing “multiple supercells capable of intense to potentially violent tornadoes” into the evening.
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The latest radar3:25 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 he multiple ways to receive warnings.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Another central MS tornado warning3:20 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning that includes Meridian, Collinsville and Marion and lasts until 4:15 p.m.
—Tim Thorsen
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Marion County tornado3:02 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning including Columbia, Foxworth and Mortantown, extending until 3:15 p.m.
—Tim Thorsen
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Earthquake. Tornado. The same town3 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Covington County video2:45 p.m.: Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci posted video on social media of debris falling in Collins after a suspected tornado strike.
—Tim Thorsen
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Stormchaser video2:40 p.m.: Stormchaser Clint Hendricks IV out of Frisco, Texas, captured this video near Hot Coffee, MS, in Covington County.
—Tim Thorsen
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Another tornado warning2:30 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning that includes Monticello, Prentiss and Bassfield and extends until 3:30 p.m.
—Tim Thorsen
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The current threat2:25 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 he 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 he 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Storms still firing2:15 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Tornado warning in central MS2:11 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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When will weather hit MS Coast?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.
“Nothing has changed,” she said.
—Martha Sanchez
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Eye on Tylertown2 p.m.: As tornadoes make their way across Mississippi, Tylertown has, seemingly, been struck twice.
—Tim Thorsen
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Tornado warning on LA-MS line1:48 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Darbun in the crosshairs1:40 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!”
—Tim Thorsen
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Threat across MS1:35 p.m.: The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center says “Multiple mature supercells he 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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East Mississippi tornado warning1:32 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Video from just south of MS line1:30 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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On the ground in Tylertown1:25 p.m.: The National Weather Service office in New Orleans reposted photos purporting to show the aftermath of the tornado strike in Tylertown.
—Tim Thorsen
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Tornado warning in NE Mississippi1:23 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Tornado emergency near Meridian1:01 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Latest radar out of LA1 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.”
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Tornado emergency in SW MS12:54 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Another SW MS tornado warning12:42 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Target: Tylertown12:32 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Tornado moving NE into Mississippi12:25 p.m.: A “radar confirmed” tornado is moving northeast into Mississippi from Louisiana, according to the National Weather Service.
—Tim Thorsen
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Threat increases in Pearl River, Stone counties12:20 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!”
—Tim Thorsen
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Tornado warning on LA-MS line12:12 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Another look at the radar12:05 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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A ‘particularly dangerous situation’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 he to take action now.”
—Anita Lee
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Another Mississippi tornado warning11:53 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Strong line hammering north MS11:40 a.m.: A line of severe storms is pounding north Mississippi, though extreme northwest Mississippi is seeing clearing.
—Tim Thorsen
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Second storm line forming11:30 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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Another tornado warning for Greenwood11:21 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Homes flattened near Greenwood11:15 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 he been reported.
—Tim Thorsen
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Menacing radar11:10 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Another tornado warning for SW Mississippi11 a.m.: Another tornado warning has been issued for southwest Mississippi by the National Weather Service office in Jackson.
—Tim Thorsen
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Tornado warnings in Mississippi10:36 a.m.: Tornado warnings he 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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First tornado watch for Southern 610:35 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Shelters opening statewide10:30 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Death toll climbs to 1610:30 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 he confirmed that three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle.
—Tim Thorsen
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Danger to our north10:20 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.”
—Tim Thorsen
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The National Weather Service outlook for Saturday shows a threat level of Moderate for the Mississippi Coast.Advisories in effect10 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Storm’s status and Coast arrival time9:45 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Governor says 3 injured in Mississippi9:30 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Visibility was reduced as a dust storm passed through Amarillo, Texas, on Friday, March 14.National death toll reaches 59:20 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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The National Weather Service’s latest report on the timing of expected severe weather.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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Shelters open8 a.m.: Announcements he 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.
—Tim Thorsen
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Parts of Mississippi and Alabama are under the highest risk level the National Weather Service issues.A historic warningThe 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.
—Martha Sanchez
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Meteorologist Nick LiljaWhat about weakened National Weather Service?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