Mississippi weather: Damaging winds, hail, tornados likely late Friday

Most of the Mid-South is at enhanced or moderate risk for severe weather on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters said the greatest threat of tornadoes would come Friday afternoon and evening in portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.

Friday 8:15 p.m. tornado near Rolling Fork

The National Weather Service reports a tornado hit the area near Rolling Fork, moving to the Northeast. A tornado warning exists until 9 p.m. as it heads toward Belzoni.

The NWS characterizes it as a large, extremely dangerous tornado, capable of producing significant damage.

Officials warn to take cover.

Friday 3:40 p.m.

Two people died early Friday in Missouri when a car was swept away during torrential rains that were part of a severe weather system roaring across parts of the Midwest and South.

The accident happened just after midnight in a sparsely populated area of southwestern Missouri. Authorities said six young adults were in the vehicle that was swept away as the car tried to cross a bridge over a flooded creek in the town of Grovespring.

Four of the six made it out of the water. But the body of Devon Holt, 20, of Grovespring, was found at 3:30 a.m., and the body of Alexander Roman-Ranelli, 19, of Springfield, was recovered about six hours later, Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Thomas Young said.

The driver told authorities that torrential rains made it difficult to see that water from a creek had covered the bridge, Young said.

Meanwhile, the search continued in another southwestern Missouri county for a woman who was missing after flash flooding from a small river washed a car off the road. The Logan Rogersville Fire Protection District said the victim's dog was found safe, but there was no sign of the woman. Two others who were in the car were rescued.

Friday 1 p.m.

Strong winds are expected Friday afternoon into the evening before thunderstorms move into Central Mississippi, according to the National Weather Service in Jackson. For areas mainly north of Interstate 20, sustained winds of 20-25 mph and gusts over 40 mph can be expected. Wind gusts over 30 mph will be possible for areas south of I-20.

Friday 12:35 p.m.

Authorities searched for a person missing after flash flooding swept away a vehicle in Missouri as a volatile storm system threatened to spawn tornadoes in several Southern states.

Heavy rain Thursday night and Friday morning caused flash flooding in parts of Missouri, where authorities said a vehicle became stranded near the town of Fordham. Rescue crews responded late Thursday near a low-water crossing at the Finley River, officials with the Logan Rogersville Fire Protection District said on Facebook.

Two people were rescued but a third remained missing Friday morning. Crews planned to use boats and have searchers walking along the river bank.

Friday 9:15 a.m.

Authorities say a suspected tornado touched down early Friday in north Texas as a storm system threatens to spawn tornadoes in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee later in the day.

The likely tornado struck about 5 a.m. in the southwest corner of the county near Parker County line, damaging homes and downing trees and power lines, the emergency management coordinator for Wise County, said. No injuries were reported.

Thursday

Most of Mississippi has an increased risk for tornadoes starting late Friday afternoon into the overnight hours.

The weather service recommends having a plan for taking shelter if needed, testing weather radios and ensuring you have multiple ways to receive alerts.

The weather should clear up overnight, and Saturday is projected to be clear, breezy and sunny with highs in the 70s. That good weather is largely expected to continue into the week ahead, with the exception of possible showers Sunday evening. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are projected to be sunny with temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi weather: Damaging winds, hail, tornados likely late Friday