Showers and storms return for our Thursday

SUMMARY: Showers and storms will return to the area Thursday afternoon and evening as a cold front pushes through. Some strong storms are possible, but not expecting widespread severe weather with this system. Drier conditions are going to build in Friday and Saturday. More showers & storms are possible late in the weekend through early next week. THURSDAY: Another warm…

Community Recovery of Lowndes County opens 2 new homes but says there’s more work ahead to rebuild after 2019 tornado

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Community Recovery of Lowndes County held two dedication ceremonies Wednesday for homes that were destroyed in the 2019 EF-3 tornado but have since been rebuilt. CRLC is currently in the process of repairing five other homes but they need more donations to continue their larger mission of rebuilding the entire community. “I’m just glad to be…

Annual Spring Fundraiser For Regional Rehab Center Will Honor Memory Of Longtime Benefactor

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A nonprofit rehabilitation organization is making a run to the finish line for an upcoming fundraiser. Every Wednesday morning, Larry Hooks brings his three-year-old daughter, Zion, to the Regional Rehab Center for speech, occupational and Physical therapy. Zion has Down Syndrome and has been coming to the facility since she was seven months. Larry Hooks says…

East Mississippi Community College will have free tuition for the summer

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- College students dream of hearing the two words free tuition; now that dream is a reality as East Mississippi Community College is offering free classes this summer. The pandemic moved classes at EMCC online last summer, but now, the school wants an increase in enrollment and to ease students back into the classroom. “Once they get…

Warm temperatures continue; Rain chances on the way

SUMMARY: The warm, above average temperatures will hang around through Thursday, but slightly cooler temperatures will return by Friday as a cold front will give us a chance of rain and storms by Thursday afternoon and evening. At this point no widespread strong or severe weather is anticipated with this next front. Additional rain may return to the region Sunday…

Chickasaw County Emergency Management has drastically expanded disaster response since 2011 tornadoes

HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI) – Just six months after taking over as Emergency Management director of Chickasaw County, Linda Griffin found herself responding to not one, but two EF-3 tornados on April 27th, 2011. “We had the 3 a.m. tornado, we’re thinking, that’s what we are going to have for that day,” Griffin said. “We had people out working, cleaning up.”…

Smithville Clinic Marks Ten Years Since Deadly Tornado

SMITHVILLE, MISS. (WCBI) – Tuesday marks the tenth anniversary of one of the darkest days in Mississippi. An EF 5 tornado struck Smithville. Sixteen lives were lost, homes and businesses were destroyed, along with the town’s only medical clinic. Marilyn Summerford remembers specific details of April 27th, 2011, such as tornado sirens going off throughout the day, and a conference…

Another warm day ahead for Tuesday; Rain returns late week

SUMMARY: Warmer temperatures in the 80s and quiet, dry weather should continue through midweek. A cold front will give our area some rain and storms from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. The severe weather threat appear low at this time. TUESDAY: A mix of sun & clouds. High temperatures continuing to warm up into the lower to mid 80s. A…

Columbus police encourage gun owners to get gun locks to prevent tragedies

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Most homes in Mississippi have guns whether for hunting, protection, or both. Some people are trained and keep their firearms locked away; however, a gun left out can be deadly. Nationwide Children’s Hospital reports 1,300 children die each year in the U.S. from similar situations, and that is why Columbus police are making a push to give…

OCH Regional Medical Center’s Chief Nursing Officer says one dose ‘not enough’ as more people skip second COVID-19 shot

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – According to the CDC, there is a growing trend of people skipping their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. “One dose is not enough,” said Interim Chief Nursing Officer Savannah Brown with OCH Regional Medical Center. “It is helpful but it’s not enough.” The CDC report shows close to 5 million people…

The 80s are making a comeback as we begin new workweek

SUMMARY: Who’s ready for warmer temperatures??? Well the 80s are making a comeback as we begin a new workweek. We’ll also enjoy some sunshine. Rain and storm chances will return to the forecast by Thursday and Friday along with some slightly cooler temperatures. MONDAY: We’ll see mostly sunny skies as we begin a new workweek with highs continuing to warm…

Nice weather to start off the week, rain and storm chances increase

We’ll enjoy some nice and dry weather for the next few days as sunshine continues. Rain chances return to the forecast by Thursday and Friday.  SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear and cool with a calm wind. Lows will be around 50. MONDAY-TUESDAY: Sunshine returns for Monday and Tuesday as temperatures warm back up. Highs will be in the 80s with lows in…