Severe thunderstorms, with the possibility of tornadoes, are expected to roll into Oxford and Lafayette County this evening.

According to the National Weather Service, an enhanced risk for severe storms exists for north Mississippi. Damaging winds will be the primary threat with a secondary threat of tornadoes. Some storms could produce possibly severe hail.

This time of year, as cold weather from the north collides with warmer air masses from the Gulf of Mexico, can often lead to severe weather, which can produce tornadoes.

In December 2015, severe storms killed several people in Mississippi, including a 7-year-old boy in Holly Springs after the car he was in was picked up and thrown by a tornado.

Thousands of people from Lafayette and Marshall County were without power for several hours.

Residents should have their emergency kits up-to-date and have a battery-powered radio at home. Officials recommend signing up for weather alerts.

In Lafayette County, residents can sign up for CodeRED alerts, visit www.LafayetteCOMS.com and click on the CodeRED link to sign up.