A tornado watch has been issued for Lincoln, Copiah, Franklin and Lawrence counties effective until 9 p.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Jackson said the tornado watch area includes 42 counties.

A band of strong thunderstorms with heavy rain moved through Lincoln County shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday, and the potential for more storms exists across the southern parts of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

The primary threats from these storms are wind gusts up to 55 mph, the weather service said. Winds this strong could blow off tree limbs and also blow around small unsecured objects. Residents should seek shelter until these storms have passed.

Small hail is also possible with these storms. Frequent lightning is also occurring with the storms. If outdoors, stay away from isolated high objects such as trees. Move indoors if possible. Stay away from windows and doors. Avoid using wired telephones directly connected to outside phone lines.