BROOKHAVEN — Weather forecasts of wind speeds for Thursday’s storms have been upgraded The National Weather Service in Jackson issued three severe storm forecasts this week and one of them included Lincoln County being at a slight risk for the incoming storms. 

Severe storms could move through Lincoln County Thursday evening into the wee hours of Friday morning. A broad 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. window is forecast for the threat but more details will be shared as the weather event nears. Southwest Mississippi is shown to be at a slight risk right now while portions of the state north of Yazoo City are at a marginal risk. 

NWS Jackson warns severe storms are possible, damaging wind gusts could reach 60 to 75 mph and hail could be quarter to golf ball sized.  We will provide updates as the storm develops. Rain chances are forecast to be 60 percent Thursday evening in Lincoln County and 30 percent during the day. 

NWS Jackson did not include a chance of tornadoes in the updated forecast. 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.