HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI — A dangerous weather system moving through the Pine Belt triggered a series of Tornado Warnings on Wednesday night, March 11, 2026. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Jackson issued immediate alerts for Hattiesburg, Laurel, Collins, Sumrall, Ellisville, and surrounding communities as radar confirmed rotation in a line of severe thunderstorms.
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) activated its Eagle Alert emergency system, instructing all students and faculty on the Hattiesburg campus to “take cover now” as the storm cell approached the city.
1. NWS Warning & Storm Path
The primary Tornado Warning was in effect until 9:45 PM CDT for northern Forrest, eastern Covington, northern Lamar, and Jones counties.
- Radar Observation: At 9:07 PM, severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes were located along a line stretching from Hebron to Seminary and Sumrall.
- Movement: The system moved east at approximately 45 mph.
- Estimated Arrival Times:
- Hattiesburg & Soso: 9:10 PM CDT
- Oak Grove & Rawls Springs: 9:15 PM CDT
- Laurel & Ellisville: 9:20 PM CDT
- Petal: 9:25 PM CDT
- Sandersville: 9:30 PM CDT
2. Potential Hazards & Damage Reports
Meteorologists warned that any tornado touchdown in this system could be life-threatening.
- Impact Risks: Dangerous flying debris, destruction of mobile homes, and significant damage to roofs and windows.
- Power Outages: As of early Thursday morning, PowerOutage.us reported that over 30,000 customers across Mississippi were without power, with Pike, Amite, and Lawrence counties seeing the highest percentages of outages.
- Secondary Threats: The NWS also warned of golf-ball-sized hail and damaging straight-line winds up to 70 mph within the squall line.
3. Regional Context: Severe Weather Outbreak
The Mississippi storms are part of a larger multi-state system that has already turned deadly.
- Casualties: Earlier on Wednesday, two fatalities were reported in Indiana and Illinois after four potential tornadoes caused widespread destruction and trapped residents in their homes.
- Flash Flooding: In addition to the tornado threat, southern Mississippi remains under a Flash Flood Watch, with rainfall rates expected to exceed 3 inches per hour in localized areas.
Emergency Safety Protocol: What to Do Now
| Location | Recommended Action |
| If in a Building | Move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. |
| If in a Mobile Home | EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. Seek shelter in the nearest sturdy building or storm cellar. |
| If in a Vehicle | Do not hide under an overpass. Drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If caught, stay in the car with your head down. |
| After the Storm | Avoid downed power lines and stay tuned to local radio for “All Clear” signals. |