Winter’s last gasp will be a hard one, as a line of severe weather preceding a strong cold front enters the Warren County area Sunday.

Van Byrd, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office on Jackson said the frontal system is forecast to hit the area Sunday morning and last into the early evening with rain, the possibility of tornadoes and golf-ball-size hail.

Rainfall is projected to be about 1-2 inches, “But rain’s not going to be the biggest worry,” Byrd said.

He said outbreaks of tornadoes are expected in the state with some possibly being long-track tornadoes that could travel on the ground for a long distance. Besides the hail, damaging winds with speeds up to 70 mph are also expected. The worst time, Byrd said, will be Sunday afternoon.

He said cooler weather will follow the system, with highs in the 60s and lows possibly falling into the 40s Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures warming up after Thursday.

“We want people to be weather alert,” Warren County Emergency Management Director John Elfer said. “I know this is going to be tough on everyone because they’re having to stay home, but this is a good time to make sure your emergency plan is in place; having your alert system and knowing where you’re going to go.

“This is going to be a daytime event, which is good.”

Elfer said people living in mobile homes should make plans where to go to be safe from the storm.

“I know we have social distancing in place, but saving lives is more important,” he said. “Try and keep your 6-foot distance, but if you have to hide in a bathroom or a basement, do it and gather and wear masks. Safety first; your life is more important.”