TUPELO – This past weekend’s severe weather ravaged parts of the state, but it also did some good for Northeast Mississippi farmers.

The region received much-needed rain on newly planted row crops. As of last week, the U.S. Drought Monitor had classified parts of several counties in the region as being abnormally dry, which indicates areas showing dryness but not yet in a drought. It is one step below a moderate drought classification.

According to the Mississippi State University Extension Service, dry weather in parts of the state had caused farmers to suspend planting.

As of Sunday, 60 percent of the state’s soybean crop had been planted, up from the five-year average of 48 percent. The USDA and the state’s agriculture department, in the same report, said 96 percent of the state’s corn crop had been planted.

Since it is at the beginning of the growing season, Andy Prosser, the bureau director for the state Department of Agriculture & Commerce, said he doesn’t expect to see storm-related damage to row crops in the northeast corner of the state.

He added that the region could handle some more light rains, and they’re expected soon.

Rain is in the forecast for the country’s midsection, including Northeast Mississippi, this weekend, according to AccuWeather.com.

Also, a National Weather Service statement Wednesday warned of an active weather period Friday through early next week with severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and possible flooding.

Total average rainfall across the state’s entire warned area is expected to be between three to six inches from Friday to Monday morning.

Contact Carlie Kollath at (662) 678-1598 or carlie.kollath@djournal.com.