Tropical Storm Warning Issued for George County: Prepare for Dangerous Winds

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for George County, including Lucedale, effective immediately as of October 8 at 10:06 AM CDT. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, Alabama, warns residents to complete preparations now as dangerous winds are expected.

Forecasters anticipate peak winds of 15-25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, but there is potential for winds of 58 to 73 mph. Residents should plan for significant wind damage, including to roofing, siding, and outbuildings, and be aware that unsecured objects could become dangerous projectiles. Power and communication outages are possible.

Moderate flooding from heavy rain is also a significant concern, with 3-6 inches of rainfall expected, and locally higher amounts. Rivers and small streams may overflow, leading to hazardous driving conditions and road closures. Emergency plans should include potential evacuations and rescues. Heed any flood watches and warnings.

A few tornadoes are also possible. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. There is little to no storm surge flooding expected. The warning is set to expire on October 8 at 6:15 PM UTC.

For local information, contact George County EMA at 601-947-7557 or visit www.facebook.com/GeorgeCountyMsEmergencyManagement. For more weather details, visit www.weather.gov/mob.