The threat of severe weather in Mississippi begins this evening and continues tonight and has expanded to include more area while remaining the same level.

Although the threat level is only a 1 out of 5, the area at risk now includes the entire southern portion of the state south of a line from Natchez to Brookhaven to Magee to Quitman. It includes McComb, Columbia, Laurel, Hattiesburg, and the Gulf Coast communities.

Our main threat will be strong to severe storms with heavy rain. We could also have some damaging wind gusts and hail. A tornado can’t be ruled out.

The good news about this system is we aren’t expecting anything widespread.

The threat begins this evening and goes through about 2 a.m.