NATCHEZ — Public safety officials are warning of potential strong storms that could include tornadoes this afternoon.

The National Weather Service has projected a significant threat of severe weather, including strong tornadoes, damaging wind and large hail, for Catahoula, Concordia and Tensas parishes and Adams, Franklin and Jefferson counties — among others — between noon and 6 p.m.

The NWS projects that gusty winds will continue into Tuesday night with sustained winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of 45 miles per hour possible.

Adams County Emergency Management Director Robert Bradford said his office would be monitoring the system this morning, and as soon as the area has a tornado watch the Adams County 361 Safe Room between Liberty Park and Natchez High School will be open for those who live in modular or mobile homes.

Bradford advised residents to have batteries for flashlights and radios in order to stay notified of the situation, and to keep their cell phones charged.

“If they receive any warnings about tornadoes, they need to adhere to those warnings,” Bradford said. “Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

Residents can sign up for Code Red weather related warnings on their phones at http://bit.ly/1oy5xOC