BROOKHAVEN — Weather forecasts of severe storm risks were upgraded. The National Weather Service in Jackson stated their radar was back online as well following technical difficulties. 

Severe storms could move through Lincoln County Thursday evening into the wee hours of Friday morning. The window for the threat to move through Lincoln County is 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Southwest Mississippi is shown to be at a enhanced risk right now.

NWS Jackson warns severe storms are possible, damaging wind gusts could reach 80 mph and large hail could be up to golf ball sized. Tornadoes can not be ruled out. We will provide updates as the storm develops. Rain chances are forecast to be 80 percent Thursday evening in Lincoln County and 30 percent during the day.

It has been nearly a month since the last tornado touched down in Mississippi on April 10. NWS Jackson records show 20 tornadoes have touched down in Mississippi this year. A majority of those tornadoes, 13 to be exact, touched down on April 9 and 10. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency is set to release an outlook for the Atlantic Ocean Hurricane Season on May 23. 

Check back for more updates as this storm approaches. Stay weather aware. We will work to keep you informed before, during and after storms move through Lincoln County.