Tippah County storms are expected to roll in Tuesday night, Nov. 3, right around the time polls close for the general election. Forecasters say the line could bring 1 to 2 inches of rain, gusty winds and a small chance of a severe storm across Tippah and Benton counties.
The good news for voters: most of Election Day itself looks dry. The National Weather Service in Memphis is forecasting a mostly cloudy, breezy and warm Tuesday, with the rain arriving after dark.
Tippah County storms timeline
Here is the latest NWS point forecast for the Ripley area, issued Monday:
Monday night: Mostly cloudy, low around 61. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tuesday (Election Day): Mostly cloudy, high near 77. South-southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.
Tuesday night: A slight chance of showers and storms between 7 and 8 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms. Rain is a near certainty (100%), with 1 to 2 inches possible. Gusts up to 30 mph. Low around 60.
Wednesday: A slight chance of a shower before noon, then mostly sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 67 in the afternoon.
Mississippi polls close at 7 p.m., so anyone planning to vote after work should try to get to the polls early in the evening, before the storms arrive.
Severe weather risk
The NOAA Storm Prediction Center has placed a marginal risk, level 1 of 5, of severe thunderstorms from East Texas and the Ark-La-Miss north into the mid-Mississippi Valley for Tuesday. Forecasters said a few storms could produce damaging gusts and a couple of tornadoes, with the best chance in the Ark-La-Miss region.
SPC added that the isolated severe threat “could persist into Tuesday night across northern MS.” Limited instability should keep most storms below severe levels, but an isolated damaging gust or brief spin-up can’t be ruled out.
How to stay ready
Have more than one way to get warnings overnight, such as a weather radio or phone alerts.
Ripley residents can sign up for City of Ripley text alerts; the city has posted instructions on its Facebook page.
Clear gutters and storm drains ahead of the heavy rain, and never drive through water over the road.
Secure campaign signs, trash cans and loose outdoor items ahead of Tuesday’s gusty winds.
Forecasts can shift, so check the latest from the National Weather Service in Memphis before heading out Tuesday evening.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
