Tropical Storm Watch Issued for East MS, Hurricane Isaias Nears Gulf Coast

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Clarke, Clay, Forrest, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston counties. Residents in these areas should prepare for hazardous wind and dangerous rainfall flooding as Hurricane Isaias approaches.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Jackson MS, Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the western Florida Panhandle coast tonight, Friday, October 9th, and into early Saturday morning. The storm, currently packing 120 mph winds, is located approximately 280 miles south-southeast of Hattiesburg and 360 miles south-southeast of Jackson, moving north-northeast at 16 mph.

Possible impacts across eastern and southeastern Mississippi include damage to porches, awnings, and unanchored mobile homes; downed trees and power outages; and a few impassable roads due to debris. Significant rainfall flooding is also possible, potentially leading to evacuations, swollen rivers, and localized rapid inundation in low-lying areas. Driving conditions will become hazardous, with some road and bridge closures possible.

Conditions are forecast to gradually improve from south to north into Saturday evening. All residents in the affected areas should closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio, and local news outlets for official storm information. Check your emergency plan and supplies kit, and take necessary actions to protect your family and property. For additional preparedness information, visit ready.gov, getagameplan.org, or redcross.org.

The NWS Jackson MS will issue the next local statement around 1 PM CDT today, or sooner if conditions warrant.