A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for much of central and northern Mississippi and extreme northwestern Alabama until 1 pm.

In the WTOK viewing area, this Severe Thunderstorm Watch includes the following counties. In Mississippi: Kemper, Neshoba, Leake, Scott, Noxubee, and Winston. In Alabama: Pickens. This includes the following cities: Philadelphia, Carthage, Forest, De Kalb, Aliceville, Macon, and Louisville.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are moving into the northern parts of our viewing area and will be impacted areas near Louisville and Macon through about 9 am. Those storms will drop south toward Interstate 20 through midday and the early afternoon.

The main threats from these storms will include strong damaging winds in excess of 60-70 mph. Winds of this intensity can cause minor damage to homes, as well as major damage to mobile homes, and they blow down trees and power lines.

If severe weather threatens seek shelter immediately in a small interior room on the lowest floor of your home or business. If you are in a mobile home, you should seek more substantial shelter.

Stay with Newscenter 11 and WTOK.com for the latest on severe weather conditions.