BROOKHAVEN — National Weather Service in Jackson reports the KDGX radar is back online after undergoing a two week repair and upgrades to extend its life. The radar will be operational just in time for severe weather to hit the area Thursday night and early Friday morning.

NWS Jackson forecasts the severe weather to hit west of Lincoln County between 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. Friday morning and will hit Lincoln County and areas east of the Franklin/Lincoln County line between 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph and sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph could hit the area Thursday evening.

Lincoln County and the surrounding areas are likely to see severe thunderstorms, tornadoes are likely with some possibly being strong. Damaging wind gusts and hail are expected with wind speeds potentially reaching 70 mph.

A tornado hit the community of Little Bahalia on February 16, 2023 and was classified as an EF-1 tornado. It is the first tornado this year to hit Lincoln County and the 14th tornado to touch down in the state this year. NWS reports one injury from tornadoes in Mississippi this year.

Remember to stay weather aware and check here for updates as we get closer to the storm.