Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Eastern MS as Isaias Approaches

A Tropical Cyclone Local Statement was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Jackson, MS, on October 9 at 4:01 PM CDT, indicating a moderate and expected severe weather event for Grenada, Carroll, Montgomery, Webster, Clay, Lowndes, Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Attala, Winston, Noxubee, Neshoba, Kemper, Newton, Lauderdale, Jasper, Clarke, Jones, and Forrest counties.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Forrest, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston counties. Hurricane Isaias, with 115 mph winds, is approximately 200 miles southeast of Hattiesburg, MS, and is moving north at 17 mph. It is expected to make landfall as a hurricane this evening along the north central Gulf Coast, weakening as it moves across Alabama overnight into Saturday.

Residents in eastern and northeastern Mississippi should prepare for tropical storm force wind gusts, starting as early as this evening in southeastern Mississippi and increasing overnight into Saturday. This could lead to downed trees and power outages. The NWS warns of potential impacts including damage to unanchored structures, broken tree limbs, and scattered power outages. Hazardous driving conditions are also possible.

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are possible, particularly in the Golden Triangle area, where significant impacts could prompt evacuations and cause rivers to overflow. Localized hazardous rainfall flooding is also possible across East Mississippi. Residents should complete all emergency preparations now and ensure they are in a safe location before strong winds or flooding begin. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio, or local news for official updates. The next NWS update is expected around 10 PM CDT.