Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Choctaw County: Prepare for Winds & Flooding

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Choctaw County, effective October 9 at 7:27 AM CDT. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, AL, warns residents in Butler, Lisman, and Silas to prepare for hazardous wind and moderate flooding rain. This watch is in effect until October 9 at 3:30 PM UTC.

Wind speeds are forecast to be 10-20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, with a potential for wind between 39 to 57 mph. Residents should complete all property protection efforts immediately and move to safe shelter before hazardous winds begin. Potential impacts include damage to lightweight structures, broken tree limbs, impassable roads due to debris, and scattered power outages.

A Flood Watch is also in effect. Peak rainfall amounts are expected to be 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts, posing a significant potential for moderate flooding. Emergency plans should include the possibility of evacuations and rescues. Consider protective actions if you are in a flood-vulnerable area and heed all flood watches and warnings. Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt evacuations, and rivers and tributaries could overflow. Driving conditions may become hazardous with some road and bridge closures.

Tornadoes are not expected, though showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. For local information, contact Choctaw County EMA at 205-459-2153 or visit www.facebook.com/lindsey.ema. For storm impacts, visit www.weather.gov/mob.