Officials warn of damaging winds, possible tornadoes in DeSoto County

Local officials warned Monday that strong to severe storms were likely to impact DeSoto County between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and urged residents to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, Mayor Ken Adams and emergency departments said.

The Storm Prediction Center placed the area under an enhanced, 3-of-5 risk for severe storms, the center said. The agency warned the storms would likely be a fast-moving line with damaging winds the primary concern.

The Storm Prediction Center said quick spin-up tornadoes could occur with little to no warning and that some could be strong, at EF2 or higher. The center also said large, golf-ball-sized hail was possible within the enhanced risk area.

Officials said winds outside the storms would be gusty throughout the day, reaching 40 mph or more. Mayor Ken Adams, the Olive Branch Police Department and the Olive Branch Fire Department urged residents to remain weather aware and to ensure they have a means to receive severe-weather alerts, such as a weather radio or text notifications. A free option for text alerts is available at https://www.weatherusa.net/alerts/.

The advisory was issued by Mayor Ken Adams, the Olive Branch Police Department, the Olive Branch Fire Department, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and DeSoto County Government.

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