A Tornado Emergency has been declared in Rolling Fork, Mississippi after a violent tornado on the ground caused catastrophic damage. Anguilla and Louise are also on alert.

The watch is currently in effect for multiple counties in Mississippi, with severe storms that may result in damaging wind, hail, and even tornadoes. The formation of a tornado could be significant, potentially reaching EF2 or higher, and may last a long time. 

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It’s crucial to identify a safe location and have a reliable method of receiving alerts even while sleeping, especially since the greatest risk for severe storms is expected to be from now until 3 am on Saturday. 

After that time, atmospheric conditions are expected to become less favorable for severe storms, but some isolated showers will continue until sunrise. Additionally, there is a Wind Advisory in effect until 3 am on Saturday, as winds may exceed 40 mph, even without thunderstorms.

The weather is expected to improve on Saturday, with clouds clearing up to reveal sunshine and high temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. However, on Sunday, showers and storms are expected to return in the afternoon and evening due to a stalled boundary, with highs reaching the upper 70s.

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The forecast for next week includes the continued presence of the stalled boundary, resulting in showers on Monday. On Tuesday, the boundary is expected to move, causing morning showers in the area before the weather clears up in the afternoon. Cooler temperatures are expected by midweek.

“A tornado has hit Sharkey County, Mississippi. Likely damage in and around Anguilla and Rolling Fork. No official damage reports as of 9pm,” confirmed Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi via Twitter post at 10:10 pm. 

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency was in touch with state Search and rescue (SAR), the governor post mentioned. 

“Tornado Emergency continues for Belzoni MS, Silver City MS and  Louise MS until 9:00 PM CDT,” National Weather Service Tornado said in a Tweet.