Severe weather is expected to move across the region tonight, brining with it heavy rain, damaging wind and potential for tornadoes.

Claiborne County and a portion of southern Warren County are in an area the National Weather Service says is at enhanced risk for severe storms, while the majority of Warren, Sharkey and Issaquena counties are in a limited risk area.

The first of the storms is expected to begin to move though the area around 4 p.m. — about two hours after kickoff in the Alcorn State vs. Jackson State football game.

Between 1 and 2 inches of rain are expected in Claiborne County, and the weather service is calling for wind gusts of up to 20 mph.

Claiborne County Sheriff Marvin Lucas is cautioning fans to be careful driving home in the storm.

“We are asking folks to drive safe out there. Let’s make sure the game is our headline and not a fatality,” Lucas said.

Mississippi 552 — the only main road connecting the Lorman campus to U.S. 61 — is expected to be choked with traffic as thousands of people flock to the game.

The biggest potential for severe weather in the region is from 6 p.m. today though 5 a.m. Sunday, meaning residents need to be prepared for a nighttime storm, Warren County Emergency Man ager John Elfer said.

“Have more than one way to alert you, and make sure that your alert system can wake you up in the middle of the night when you’re sound asleep,” Elfer said.

In Warren, Sharkey and Issaquena counties, a half inch of rain is expected before midnight, and another half inch to inch is expected to fall Sunday morning.

It’s also important during nighttime storms to have a shelter plan in place and check the forecast before going to bed, he said.

“If you live somewhere that’s not as sturdy a residence, then you probably need to make plans to stay overnight with somebody or have a plan of where you’re going to go when you do get that tornado or severe thunderstorm warning,” he said.

The weather service is calling for a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms Sunday in Claiborne and Warren counties and a 60 percent chance of storms Sunday in Sharkey and Issaquena counties.

The last remnants of the storm system are expected to move out Sunday night, and Monday is expected to be cool and clear with a high around 62.