Wednesday 17 April 2013

Damaging winds, tornadoes possible with storms late Thursday across Mississippi

Damaging winds, tornadoes possible with storms late Thursday across Mississippi, Mississippi is in store for more dangerous storms, a week after a deadly tornado tore a nearly 70-mile-long damage path across east-central portions of the state.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have highlighted much of the state for the potential of severe storms containing damaging winds and tornadoes by late Thursday afternoon.

"A line of severe storm is expected along and just ahead of a cold front late Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning, especially northwest of the Natchez Trace. Damaging wind gusts and tornado are expected to be the primary hazards with this system," the NWS said.

"Hail to the size of quarters will also be possible," the NWS added.

An unusually warm and moist airmass in place ahead of the approaching storm system, combined with strong shear, will set the stage for the potential of an widespread outbreak of severe storms.

"There is reason to believe bow-type structures could evolve along the squall line given the favorable shear, in addition to embedded supercells that could produce isolated tornadoes," the SPC said.

"If [forecast] models continue to depict sufficient buoyancy, there may be an enhanced risk of an extensive damaging wind event with this elongated convective complex," the SPC added.

The state is in the midst of its most active period for severe storms and tornadoes from March through early May. The month of April is historically the most active and most dangerous for tornadoes.

Last Thursday (April 11), one person was killed and nine others were injured as a strong EF-3 tornado tracked across Kemper and Noxubee counties into Alabama's Pickens County. The tornado was on the ground for more than an hour and a half for 68.4 miles.

This tornado ranks among the longest-tracked on record in Mississippi history.

Everyone is strongly urged to stay updated on the latest weather information as it becomes available.

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