The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow in Southwest Mississippi including Natchez and surrounding areas. The warning takes effect at 6 p.m. tonight and will continue until 2 p.m. Friday.

Snow is expected to overspread the region late this afternoon into tonight. Snowfall rates are expected to steadily increase during the evening hours and become heavy overnight.

Total accumulations for the area south of I-20, especially along U.S. 84, are predicted to range from 5 to 8 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.

These snow accumulations could result in dangerous travel conditions and have the potential to pull down tree limbs and power lines.