Jackson, Miss. – Drivers across central Mississippi face dangerous conditions early Friday as heavy thunderstorms trigger a flash flood warning until 7:30 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, radar detected between 1 and 3 inches of rain already on the ground, with an additional 2 to 3 inches expected in some areas. Flooding is ongoing or imminent in Hinds, Rankin, southwestern Madison, and northeastern Warren counties.
Low-lying roads and underpasses around Jackson, Clinton, and Pearl are especially vulnerable, and emergency officials warn that several creeks may rise out of their banks before sunrise. Drivers along I-20 between Vicksburg and Brandon, as well as Highway 49 near Richland and Florence, could encounter water-covered pavement.
Residents in Flowood, Ridgeland, and Byram are urged to avoid travel if possible, charge phones in case of power outages, and monitor local alerts for rising water. Officials stress the reminder: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
The warning remains active through early morning, with more advisories possible if storms persist.
