Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Central MS; Prepare for Wind, Flooding

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for multiple Central Mississippi counties as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast. Residents in Clarke, Clay, Forrest, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, Winston, and Choctaw counties should prepare for tropical storm force winds and significant rainfall flooding.

The National Weather Service in Jackson, MS, issued this Tropical Cyclone Local Statement today, October 9, at 1:06 PM CDT. Hurricane Isaias, currently located about 240 miles south-southeast of Hattiesburg, MS, is moving north-northeast at 16 mph with sustained winds of 120 mph. It is expected to make landfall along the western Florida Panhandle this evening.

Tropical storm force wind gusts are anticipated across eastern and northeastern Mississippi as early as this evening, continuing overnight into Saturday. Potential impacts include damage to unanchored structures, broken tree limbs, and scattered power outages. Dangerous rainfall flooding is also possible, leading to potential evacuations, swollen rivers, and localized street flooding. Conditions are forecast to gradually improve late Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening.

Residents should complete all preparations now to protect life and property. Ensure you are in a safe location before strong winds or flooding begin. Monitor official storm information from weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio, or local news outlets. For preparedness resources, visit ready.gov, getagameplan.org, or redcross.org. The next update is expected around 4 PM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.