Dangerous Storm With Tornado Near Smithville MS: Heads up Marion County AL

New tornado warning for portions of Itawamba and Monroe county Mississippi.

Very strong thunderstorm just west of Smithville Mississippi with a very strong rotation indicated that’s moving to the east-northeast about 20 miles an hour.

The tornado will pass near or just north of the town of Smithville, and will eventually pass into Marion County Alabama. It may move very near Hamilton.

The tornado should move into Marion county before around 415 p.m. and reach Hamilton around 430 p.m.

We want our friends in Marion county to be especially alert. If you’re in a mobile or manufactured home go ahead and move to your pre-designated, safe shelter in a nearby site built home or buiodling, or storm sehlter.

And the weather service in Memphis has just upgraded that tornado warning to a confirmed tornado. The rotation is extremely strong and very dangerous. It’s something we have to watch very very closely. Not a debris signature at this point, but I think we could see one develop pretty soon.

Spotter indicates tornado on the ground west of Smithfield at 352 p.m.

353 PM CST Thu Feb 16 2023

…A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CST FOR SOUTHERN
ITAWAMBA AND NORTHEASTERN MONROE COUNTIES…

At 353 PM CST, a confirmed tornado was located near Smithville, or
near Amory, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD…Damaging tornado.

SOURCE…Weather spotters confirmed tornado.

IMPACT…Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.

Locations impacted include…
Smithville, New Salem, Cadamy and Turon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
storm shelter or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Severe Weather