Tornado warning gives people minutes to take cover

A National Weather Service alert in Mississippi gave residents only minutes to take cover as severe storms and several tornadoes were reported across parts of the United States; forecasts show continued strong winds and thunderstorms into the weekend.

Severe storms across parts of the United States produced multiple tornado reports this week and prompted urgent weather alerts in some communities. In Mississippi, a National Weather Service message urged residents to take cover with only minutes' notice. Tornadoes were also reported earlier in the week in Oklahoma and Kansas and were linked to local damage and service interruptions. Forecasts indicate strong winds and additional severe thunderstorms across parts of the South and into the Eastern United States over the coming days. Key facts: - The National Weather Service issued an urgent take-cover alert in Jackson, Mississippi, giving only minutes' notice before expected storm impacts. - At least four tornadoes were reported earlier in the week in Oklahoma and Kansas, with reports of roof damage, power outages and downed utility poles. - Weather forecasts and reporting indicate the lower Mississippi region, Louisiana, Georgia and Alabama may see more severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong wind gusts this weekend. - The Midwest and Northeast are expected to see gusty winds and some light to moderate snowfall, while temperatures are not predicted to be unusually cold. Summary: Officials reported urgent short-notice alerts in parts of the South as storms produced tornadoes and localized damage. Forecasts indicate continued risk of strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain for parts of the Southern and Eastern United States through the weekend. Undetermined at this time.