Darkhorse Weather is brought to you by Complete Exteriors. Specializing in roofing and gutter replacement and repairs, Complete Exteriors is dedicated to bringing you quality service from beginning to end. Call 601-326-2755 (Central MS), or 228-365-9770 (Gulf Coast) for your free quote today!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATES BY: NICOLE McCARDLE AND THERESE APEL
5:45 P.M. UPDATE
The Holmes Community College Goodman Campus released photos of storm damage:
5:00 P.M. UPDATE
A trucker from Knoxville captured photos of what looks like a tornado on the ground in West Point, and a WTOK viewer sent them video of an apparent tornado in Lauderdale County. WLBT also reports damage to Wilson’s Meat House in Crystal Springs. (See below posts)
4:45 P.M. UPDATE:
There are still tornado warnings for Jasper and Newton Counties until 5:30 p.m.
Following heavy rain, there is a potential for flash flooding across the state. Flash flooding is a top weather killer. 🌧
If you encounter a flooded roadway, DO NOT try to drive through it. Turn around, don’t drown. #mswx pic.twitter.com/7DmWWnyHpc
— MDOT (@MississippiDOT) March 22, 2022
According to the National Weather Service Jackson, central Mississippi is through the tornado threats, with the main threat now being heavy rain and flash flooding.
NWS Meteorologist Nicholas Price said damage reports continue to come in from around the state, primarily downed trees
“We’ve been getting a lot in Hinds, a few in Ridgeland,” he said.
But there have also been reports of structural damage in central Mississippi. Price said Holmes Community College in Goodman had reports of a roof being ripped off, and Mississippi State University had a large tree that fell and reportedly broke several power poles as well.
CHECK THIS OUT: The campus police at Mississippi State University has confirmed storm damage on its campus, including damage to more than a dozen power poles. (📸: WTVA/MSU Police) pic.twitter.com/pxPms6ddgX
— WLBT 3 On Your Side (@WLBT) March 22, 2022
3:15 P.M. UPDATE
Tornado Warning in effect for Ittawamba Co, Monroe Co. until 3:45
A tornado producing storm was located 7 miles NW of Kolola Springs, or 7 miles northwest of Columbus Air Force Base, and is moving Northeast at 55mpg. Radar confirmed. tornado producing storm was located 7 miles northwest of Kolola Springs, or 7 miles northwest of Columbus AFB, moving northeast at 55 mph. HAZARD…Damaging tornado. SOURCE…Radar confirmed tornado.
3:00 P.M. UPDATE:
A Tornado Warning has been issued for Oktibbeha County, Clay County, and Lowndes County.
Tornado on the ground – radar confirmed – in Clay County crossing into Monroe County.
2:45 P.M. UPDATE:
Fallen trees and powerlines are down in several areas around the state following severe weather.
Please refrain from travel if you can. If you must be out, use extreme caution. pic.twitter.com/b6F5lIJblu
— MDOT (@MississippiDOT) March 22, 2022
2:45 P.M. UPDATE:
A tornado is on the ground near Dekalb, according to meteorologist Ryan Hall of Ryan Hall, Y’all.
In Jackson:
In Ridgeland:
Tree across North Livingston is cleared. Entergy and R’land PW will have Old Agency clear by 3:00 pm. All roads in Ridgeland will be passable at that time. pic.twitter.com/DI0hfFX4mW
— RidgelandPoliceMS (@RidgelandPolice) March 22, 2022
2 P.M. UPDATE:
Tornado Warning issued for Newton, Smith, and Simpson Counties until 3 p.m.
Per Rankin County EOC: Pea-sized hail reported in Puckett.
— Darkhorse Press (@Darkhorse_Press) March 22, 2022
Per Rankin EOC: All Rankin County Tornado Warnings are canceled.
— Darkhorse Press (@Darkhorse_Press) March 22, 2022
1:45 PM UPDATE:
In Ridgeland, a power line fell down on top of a Fed Ex truck and the driver is currently trapped inside as responders wait on Entergy to cut power to the line. Police say the driver is unhurt, but can’t exit the truck yet.
Chief John Neal said the driver was delivering a package to a home on Rolling Meadows when the power line fell. Temporarily, a police car was also affected by the power line, but was able to get free.
Otherwise, Neal reports trees down in Ridgeland but only one so far has crossed a road. It has been cleared.
In Brandon:
1:30 PM UPDATE:
There are reports of trees down throughout the storm-affected area. Numerous wrecks have also been reported.
Be careful on the roads! An 18-wheeler has overturned on I-20 East. (📸: Velvet Hollowell) pic.twitter.com/53X5Be6HLt
— WLBT 3 On Your Side (@WLBT) March 22, 2022
1PM UPDATE:
Currently there are tornado warnings for Leake County, Scott County, Simpson County, Copiah County, Hinds County, and Rankin County in and around the metro area.
Tornado WARNING utnil 1:45pm for Simpson County, Copiah County, Hinds County & Rankin County. TAKE COVER NOW!
A severe thunderstorms capable of producing a tornado
were located along a line extending from Dry Grove to near Hazlehurst, moving east at 45 mph.— B☘️rbie B☘️ssett (@BarbieBassettTV) March 22, 2022
ORIGINAL POST:
3/22/22, Update: 11:30
Therese Apel speaks with Rankin County Emergency Operations Director, Mike Word, about what to expect in the upcoming hours. Damaging winds, spin-up tornados, and powerful rain is expected. Authorities recommend the public to take cover, and have a exit plan ready to go.