Jackson, MS – Residents across Mississippi and nearby Gulf Coast regions should prepare for a stormy weekend as multiple rounds of rain and thunderstorms move in from late Saturday into Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.
Forecasters say 2 to 3 inches of rain could fall in a short period, with isolated totals of up to 5 inches, leading to a Level 1 (Limited) flash flood threat for areas including Vicksburg, Natchez, Brookhaven, Laurel, and Hattiesburg. Localized flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and urban areas.
According to the National Weather Service, a Level 2 (Slight Risk) of severe storms is also in place across parts of southwest Mississippi, with damaging winds up to 60 mph, hail up to quarter size, and the possibility of an isolated tornado. The timing for the most intense activity is expected from Saturday evening through early Sunday morning.
Rain totals are expected to be heaviest west of Interstate 55, with 3 to 5 inches possible near the Mississippi-Louisiana border. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways and follow the warning: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Meanwhile, beachgoers along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast — including Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach, and Destin — face a high risk of life-threatening rip currents through the weekend. Conditions are expected to remain dangerous until at least Monday night.
