NATCHEZ — The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said there is an enhanced risk of damaging winds, golf ball sized hail and tornadoes as a strong cold front approaches the state this weekend.

Officials from the National Weather Service in Jackson say portions of northeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi could experience severe storms capable of damaging winds, hail and tornadoes Friday night into early Saturday morning. Occasional wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour are expected ahead of the storm system.

Heavy rainfall, leading to flash flooding in the low-lying areas is also possible. The area is expected to receive 3 to 5 inches of rain.

Gov. Phil Bryant urged residents Friday to be alert and to have an emergency plan in place in the event of severe weather this weekend.