BROOKHAVEN — Hurricane Francine has now reached 100 mph sustained wind gusts making the storm a Category 2. The storm track has shifted east slightly but it will still bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds to Lincoln County.

Brookhaven School District Superintendent Rod Henderson said the district will be closed Thursday.

“Due to the impending impact of Tropical Storm Francine in our areas, Brookhaven School District has deemed it necessary to close school on Thursday for the safety of our students, staff and their families,” Henderson said. “Please stay weather aware and watch our website and social media for school related updates. Thank you.”

Lincoln County is expected to experience wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph which could lead to widespread downed trees and power lines. Damage to roofs and roads being blocked could be expected. Power outages could last for several days. An onset of strong winds is expected to be in the area between 7 p.m. Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday.

Flash flooding is also a threat associated with this storm. Francine could dump four to six inches of rain on Lincoln County in a short period of time causing localized flash flooding of low lying areas and minor river flooding. There is also a marginal risk of tornados developing in a majority of Lincoln County but the tornado threat has really shifted towards Alabama.

As of this morning, a tropical storm warning and flood watch were in effect. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm winds are expected in the next 36 hours. Severe weather is forecast to pass through by commute time Thursday morning but it will depend on tree and power line damage how safe a morning commute would be.

Check back for more updates as this storm approaches southwest Mississippi.