Jackson, Mississippi – A Flood Watch is in effect across much of Mississippi beginning early Friday morning, Jan. 9, as heavy rainfall increases the risk of flash flooding through the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, the Flood Watch runs from 4 a.m. CST Friday, Jan. 9 through Friday evening, Jan. 9, covering large portions of central, southwest, south central, and southeast Mississippi.
In southwest Mississippi, the watch includes Adams, Claiborne, Franklin, and Jefferson counties, impacting communities such as Natchez, Port Gibson, Fayette, Meadville, Bude, and Roxie.
A broader Flood Watch is also in effect for central and eastern Mississippi, including Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Copiah, Simpson, Smith, Scott, Leake, Neshoba, Kemper, Lauderdale, Newton, Winston, and Noxubee counties, as well as Forrest, Lamar, Jones, Covington, Marion, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, and Lincoln counties. Cities potentially affected include Jackson, Pearl, Brandon, Ridgeland, Madison, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Meridian, Brookhaven, Canton, Forest, Collins, and Columbia.
Forecasters expect 2 to 3 inches of rain to fall in a short period of time, with storm-total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches possible by Friday evening, Jan. 9. Excessive runoff may cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, low-lying areas, and poor-drainage urban locations, while storm drains and ditches could become clogged with debris.
The National Weather Service warns that flooding may develop quickly, especially in areas that experience repeated rounds of heavy rain. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to closely monitor conditions and be prepared to act if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
Motorists are reminded to avoid driving through flooded roadways, as water-covered roads can be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.
