Strong Thunderstorm Warning: Gusty Winds and Lightning Expected

A Special Weather Statement has been issued by the National Weather Service Shreveport, warning residents in Franklin, Titus, Camp, Wood, and Upshur counties of a strong thunderstorm. The storm, located 8 miles northeast of Hainesville (9 miles south of Winnsboro), is moving northeast at 35 mph and is expected to bring wind gusts up to 40 mph.

The NWS advises monitoring the weather closely and being alert for threatening conditions. Gusty winds could lead to downed tree limbs and unsecured objects blowing around. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is also occurring, and lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm. Seek safe shelter inside a building or vehicle immediately.

This statement is effective immediately, as of 2:29 PM CDT, and expires at 3:30 PM CDT. Areas potentially impacted include Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Winnsboro, Leesburg, Mount Vernon, Scroggins, Newsome, Purley, Pleasant Grove, Cookville, Winfield, Miller's Cove, Rocky Mound, Hopewell, Monticello, Cypress, Perryville, Harvard, and Grice. Monitor local radio and television for further updates and possible warnings.