NATCHEZ — The warm weather enjoyed by residents Thursday will clash with a cold front crossing the region Friday afternoon.

The severe storm development is capable of producing damaging winds, tornadoes and possibly large hail.

Daniel Lamb, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Jackson, said the storm poses the greatest threat to the Miss-Lou from noon through the afternoon and evening hours.

While severe storms are not unlikely for this time of year, Lamb recommends that area residents participating in festivities stay aware of the weather as it develops.

“We deal with that kind of stuff all year around,” Lamb said. “It’s particularly important since they are going to be a lot of people out and about and participating in New Year’s parties and New Year’s activities.”

Lamb said the biggest threat is for partygoers on the road traveling and for people not familiar with the area they’re visiting.

“Maybe they’ll be away from home where there would usually know what to do in severe weather conditions,” Lamb said. “We urge people to plan ahead to wherever they are going to know what to do already, and that way they can take quick action and protect themselves from any dangers.”