Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Clarke County: Prepare for Winds & Flooding

Residents of Clarke County should immediately prepare for hazardous winds and moderate flooding, following a Tropical Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Jackson, MS, on October 9 at 3:56 PM CDT. This warning is effective immediately and expires at 12:00 AM UTC on October 10.

Wind speeds are forecast to reach 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, with the potential for sustained winds of 39 to 57 mph. Property protection efforts should be underway now to mitigate limited damage to structures like porches, awnings, and sheds. Expect broken tree limbs, potential downed trees in areas with shallow roots, and scattered power and communication outages. Drivers should be aware of impassable roads due to debris, particularly in urban or heavily wooded areas, and hazardous conditions on bridges and elevated roadways.

A Flood Watch is also in effect, with additional rainfall of approximately 1 inch expected. This poses a significant threat for moderate flooding. Emergency plans should include the potential for evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries may quickly swell and overspill their banks, and floodwaters could enter some structures. Driving conditions will become hazardous due to rapid inundation in low-lying spots and overflowing storm drains. Heed all flood watches and warnings to avoid serious injury or loss of life.

The NWS indicates that tornadoes are not expected at this time, though gusty winds may accompany showers and thunderstorms. Stay informed of the latest forecast updates.