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NATCHEZ — The National Weather Service office in Jackson is warning residents here of an enhanced risk of severe weather on Saturday.

Meteorologists say an enhanced risk means tornadoes are likely. Expect damaging winds between 60 and 70 miles per hour and large hail up to golf ball size.

“There is a moderate risk for severe storms likely Saturday, mainly in the afternoon into the evening hours,” the National Weather Service said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.

“The main hazards are tornadoes, some possibly strong, damaging winds 60-70 mph, and large hail to golf ball size. Significant severe storms are possible during this timeframe. The greater confidence for severe weather exists mainly along and east of the Mississippi River to Natchez Trace corridors, but threat levels may increase and expand, with more specific timing as we get closer,” the NWS Jackson office said in a statement.

The National Weather Service forecast for the Miss-Lou for Friday is mostly cloudy skies with a high near 81. Winds are expected to be from the south, 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts as high as 30 miles per hour.

Friday night’s forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The sky will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. The south wind will be 10 to 20 miles per hour, with gusts to 30 miles per hour.

On Saturday, the forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms mainly before 5 p.m. Some storms could be severe. High near 76. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts should be between three-quarters and one inch.

Saturday night, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly cloudy with a low around 50.

On Sunday, skies should be sunny with a high near 66.