Residents of Lauderdale and neighboring counties are being cautioned Wednesday to a limited threat of severe thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes.

The National Weather Service in Jackson issued a hazardous weather outlook early Wednesday morning, noting thunderstorms were possible mainly between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. as a cold front moves southeast across the forecast area.

Damaging wind gusts of 60 mph and quarter-sized hail will be the main threats, according to the weather service, but a tornado or two will also be possible.

The affected area includes Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Newton counties in Mississippi.

A high of 79, with wind gusts as high as 25 mph are forcecast. The chance of precipitation is 70 percent. 

The storms are part of a weather system moving eastward across the Deep South, according to the weather service. The areas at greatest risk include northeastern Mississippi, northern Alabama, and the northwestern corner of Georgia. 

Sunny but cooler weather is predicted to return on Thursday, with a high of 65 forecast.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.