The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is advising residents to prepare for the possibility of severe weather that is expected to start later this evening until Wednesday.

In Pearl River County, there’s some risk of severe weather, said Danny Manley, Pearl River County emergency management director and fire services coordinator.

“The storm prediction center has us in a slight risk of severe weather and we need to brace ourselves for it,” Manley said.

While most of the severe weather is forecasted to hit north of Pearl River County, Manley said weather is constantly changing and residents should prepare by avoiding the roadways during inclement weather, seeking shelter and staying up-to-date on the latest information.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center say the storms will be capable of producing severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, tornadoes and heavy rainfall causing flash flooding, according to a press release from MEMA.

A flash flood watch has been issued for 77 counties in Mississippi, including Pearl River County. Heavy rainfall of two to four inches, with higher amounts in some areas, is possible, which could cause flash flooding. High winds could bring down trees and power lines, the press release stated.

According to the National Weather Service, Mississippi has seen 231 tornadoes in November since 1950, making it the third most active month for tornadoes, behind April and March.

MEMA suggests people stay up-to-date on severe weather warnings via NOAA weather radios, wireless emergency alert messages, smartphone apps, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, local radio and TV stations and community tornado sirens.

For detailed preparedness information, contact your county emergency management agency at 601-795-3058 or visit their Facebook page at Pearl River County EOC and Roads.