Weather
Mississippi Thanksgiving Travel: Storm Risk Nov. 18–24
Jackson, MS – Thanksgiving travelers across Mississippi could face a wetter, more unsettled weather pattern from November 18–24, raising concerns about heavy rain, thunderstorms and potentially hazard
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-11-11T05:32:59.115Z
Jackson, MS – Thanksgiving travelers across Mississippi could face a wetter, more unsettled weather pattern from November 18–24, raising concerns about heavy rain, thunderstorms and potentially hazardous highways as families prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across portions of Mississippi and the surrounding Gulf Coast region from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The outlook is part of a widespread precipitation pattern extending from the western United States through the central Plains, Midwest and Gulf Coast. While the forecast does not confirm a specific storm or flooding event, the wetter than normal signal raises concerns about possible travel disruptions ahead of Thanksgiving.
Jackson, Pearl and Central Mississippi Jackson, Pearl, Ridgeland, Madison, Clinton and surrounding Hinds, Rankin and Madison county communities could experience periods of rain as weather systems move through the region.
Interstate 55, Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 49 are major travel corridors to monitor.
Heavier downpours could reduce visibility, create standing water and slow traffic around Jackson's busy interstate connections.
Gulfport, Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Bay St. Louis and surrounding coastal communities could face periods of rain and thunderstorms during the preholiday travel window.
Interstate 10, Interstate 110 and U.S. Highway 90 will be important routes to monitor as holiday traffic increases.
Locally heavy rainfall could cause temporary street flooding in low lying or poorly drained areas if thunderstorms develop.
Hattiesburg, Laurel and South Mississippi Hattiesburg, Petal, Laurel, Ellisville and surrounding communities could experience unsettled weather during November 18–24.
Travelers along Interstate 59, U.S. Highway 49 and U.S. Highway 98 should watch for changing road conditions during periods of heavier rainfall.
Thunderstorms could develop if sufficient moisture and atmospheric instability accompany approaching weather systems.
Tupelo, Oxford and Northeast Mississippi Tupelo, Oxford, New Albany, Corinth and surrounding communities could also see periods of rain as the wetter pattern develops.
Interstate 22, U.S. Highway 45 and U.S. Highway 78 are important corridors for travelers moving between Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.
Heavy rain and reduced visibility would be the primary travel concerns if organized precipitation develops.
Southaven, Olive Branch and Northwest Mississippi Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake, Hernando and surrounding DeSoto County communities could experience unsettled conditions during the preholiday period.
Drivers traveling through the greater Memphis metropolitan area should monitor Interstate 55, Interstate 69 and Interstate 269 for potential rain related delays.
Greenville, Greenwood and the Mississippi Delta Greenville, Greenwood, Cleveland, Clarksdale and surrounding Delta communities could face periods of rainfall during November 18–24.
Heavy downpours could create slick highways and localized drainage problems, particularly in low lying areas.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Heavy Rain Disrupt Highways? The wetter than normal outlook arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, raising questions about possible holiday travel disruptions across Mississippi.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and reduced visibility are the primary hazards to monitor. Localized flooding could become a concern if rainfall is sufficiently intense or prolonged.
NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the region, making widespread snow or ice a less prominent concern than rain and storms.
The November 18–24 outlook measures the probability of above normal precipitation, not the probability of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding or a specific storm system.
Mississippi travelers should monitor updated forecasts for rainfall intensity, storm timing and highway conditions as Thanksgiving approaches.