Although the Golden Triangle did not receive the deluge of rainfall that prompted Gov. Phil Bryant to declare a state of emergency Thursday for parts of the state, prospects for continued heavy rain and localized flooding remain throughout the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.
“We are anticipating more rain to enter the area today,” said Joanne Culin, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Jackson. “You can expect heavy rain and some flash flooding. Generally-speaking, we expect 2-to-4 inches of rain, more in some areas throughout the day. We’ve already heard reports of some flooding in the area, especially in parts of Oktibbeha County, where we’re heard reports of some road flooding.”
Shank Phelps, emergency management director for Oktibbeha County, said the flooding was not as severe as of 8 a.m.
“We haven’t had any reports of flooding in neighborhoods,” he said. “But we have had some road flooding, although it’s not to the point where we have had to close any roads yet.”
Lowndes County Emergency Management Director Cindy Lawrence said there had been no weather reports as of this morning.
“I just got off the phone with road manger Ronnie Burns,” she said. “There hasn’t been any flooding or road closures so far.”
According to the National Weather Service, parts of Mississippi have received eight to 10 inches of rain Thursday, with more rainfall in the forecast today. Parts of south Mississippi are expected to receive up to 10 inches of rain over the next two days. Coastal tides are nearly three feet above normal, and could rise, causing minor to moderate inundation.
The director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said about 100 people have been evacuated in the Delta because of severe weather.
Lee Smithson says heavy rain Thursday has mostly passed the Delta, but the Gulf Coast could still receive up to 10 inches of rain and should expect some flooding. Residents of neighborhoods, subdivisions and communities that historically flood during heavy rains should remain aware of the changing weather conditions in their area.
Bryant authorized Major General Augustus Collins, the Adjutant General of Mississippi, to deploy up to 80 soldiers to the Gulf Coast. They will be positioned in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River Counties and will be prepared to evacuate residents of flooded areas. They will also work with local responders in security patrols to ensure the protection of property.
Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding and debris in areas of the state. For the latest on road conditions, go to mdottraffic.com or download the free MDOT mobile phone app or call 5-1-1.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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