Severe weather is expected in the area today, mainly from noon to 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS’s weather bulletin says strong tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are possible. The area will also be under a wind advisory from noon today to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Sustained winds will build to a range of 20 to 30 mph by late this afternoon with gusts up to 45 mph possible through tonight, according to the NWS.

Local school districts dismissed early today due to weather concerns. The Lincoln County School District, the Brookhaven School District and the Lawrence County School District will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College also canceled classes at noon today. Offices on campus will also early.

Copiah County Emergency Management opened the shelter in Gallman at 10:30 a.m.

Though April is tornado season in Mississippi, the months of October, November and December are also active. The state has seen several tornadoes this winter, with seven being confirmed Feb. 15, including an EF-2 that hit Copiah County.

Damage near the Lincoln-Copiah line that same day was attributed to straight-line winds.

“An intense microburst occurred along the Lincoln/Copiah County line,” the NWS said. “Damage occurred just west of Jackson-Liberty Road and north of Norton-Assink Road. Here a mobile home was rolled multiple times and destroyed. A couple minor injuries occurred at this location.”