Severe weather and heavy rainfall are expected to move into the area this afternoon and tonight.

The National Weather Service in Jackson said rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches will be common with locally higher amounts possible. Recent rainfall has left the ground nearly saturated, and the expected rainfall will lead to rapid runoff and flash flooding, NWS said.

A flash flood watch is in effect for Lincoln County from this afternoon through Wednesday morning.

There is also an elevated threat of severe thunderstorms with 60-70 mph gusts. Tornadoes are also possible with this storm system. Storms should move through the area from 7 p.m. tonight through 3 a.m. Wednesday.

“Mississippi is no stranger to severe weather in November,” said MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham. “The most important thing you can do is know how you will receive an alert of severe weather in your area, and how you will respond to it. If you encounter a flooded roadway, remember ‘turn around, don’t drown.’ Take the time now to discuss your family’s plan with every member of your family.”

According to the NWS, Mississippi has seen 231 tornadoes in the month of November since 1950, making it the third most active month for tornadoes, behind April (365) and March (232).

There are many ways you can be alerted to severe weather warnings:
•    NOAA weather radios
•    Wireless Emergency Alert Messages: Make sure these notifications are turned “on” in your phone settings
•    Smartphone apps
•    Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
•    Local radio stations, newspapers and TV stations
•    Community tornado sirens