Meteorologists are asking Mississippians to be ready for severe weather that will be moving across the state on Tuesday.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Joann Culin said the central part of the state may expect potentially damaging winds with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, as well as likely tornadoes, some of which could be strong. There could also be large hail up to golf ball sized, she said, as the line of storms come in from the west.

The main time frame for the Metro area, Culin said, is between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. There could also be a risk for flash flooding.

“The storms will move fast but could produce heavy rainfall in short amount of time,” she said.

Brandon Police Chief William Thompson posted to the Brandon Police Department’s Facebook that “The Brandon Police Department, Brandon Fire Department, and Brandon Public Works are as prepared as we can be for anything that may occur. Extra officers are on stand-by if they are needed, and heavy equipment and operators are also prepared to deploy if needed.”

Thompson also emphasized that if the storms do come through Brandon, going sightseeing in the affected area can cause problems. It can hinder emergency response, he said, “and honestly is disrespectful for those affected.”

“This is nothing new for us. You all know what to do to prepare for bad weather. So do what you do to prepare,” Thompson said.

WLBT meteorologist Patrick Ellis said he encourages heightened weather awareness through Tuesday, but that conditions should improve overnight.

See the Vicksburg Daily News speak with Warren County EMA Director John Elfer: