NATCHEZ — Local emergency management officials expect the brunt of Tropical Storm Barry to hit the Miss-Lou Saturday afternoon, bringing tropical force winds and heavy rain.

Tornadoes also remain a possibility as the storm makes its way inland.

Adams County Emergency Management Director Robert Bradford said current National Weather Service forecasts suggest the area could start seeing tropical storm conditions between 4  and 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

Bradford said current forecast models suggest the area could receive between 7 and 12 inches of rain between Saturday evening and Sunday evening.

Bradford said the area should continue to see intermittent showers as scattered rain bands from the storm move across the region Friday evening and through the day Saturday.

Bradford said because most of heavy rains and storms from Barry will occur Saturday evening and early Sunday morning, he recommends residents make sure their cellphones are charged and that residents pay attention to weather alerts and warnings.

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Bradford said the Adams County Safe Room will be open Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and remain open through the duration of the storm. The Safe Room will be open for residents who need a cool place to stay in the event of a power outage.

Barry is maintaining its strength as it moves toward Louisiana, where it threatens to bring heavy rains and flooding.

A Friday afternoon advisory from the U.S. National Hurricane Center says the storm’s maximum sustained winds remain near 65 mph. The National Hurricane Center says additional strengthening is expected and the storm is forecast to be a hurricane when its center reaches the coast.