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

CLARKE COUNTY — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Jackson, MS, has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Clarke County, effective today, October 9, 2026, at 10:02 AM CDT, and set to expire at 6:15 PM CDT.

Residents should act now to complete preparations before hazardous winds begin. Plan for potential winds of 39 to 57 mph, with peak gusts up to 40 mph. Efforts to protect property should be underway. Expect limited damage to unanchored mobile homes, awnings, and sheds. Scattered power and communications outages are possible, and some roads may become impassable due to debris. Hazardous driving conditions are anticipated on bridges and elevated roadways.

A Flood Watch is also in effect, with an additional 1 inch of rainfall expected. Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding, as evacuations and rescues are possible. Rivers and tributaries may become swollen, and floodwaters could enter some structures. Heed any flood watches and warnings, as failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. Driving conditions may become hazardous in low-lying areas. The NWS indicates that tornadoes are not expected at this time.