Tropical Storm Arthur threatens South MS with flooding. How to protect your home

The flash flooding risk is ramping up in South Mississippi as Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to make landfall near the Texas/Louisiana border Wednesday evening.

“Heavy rains expected Wednesday night and especially Thursday morning will bring possibility of life-threatening flash flooding,” the National Weather Service said in a June 16 post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Tropical Storm Arthur is the first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane season, with winds at about 45 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Protect your South MS home from flooding

Here’s how to protect your home from flooding in South Mississippi, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

• Insure your property. Flooding damage isn’t covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, so purchasing a flood policy is recommended
• Maintain proper water runoff and drainage
• Improve lot grading
• Reduce impervious surfaces around your property
• Install a rain barrel
• Elevate utilities and service equipment
• Anchor outdoor fuel tanks
• Seal your foundation and basement walls
• Install flood vents
• Install a sump pump
• Prevent sewer backups

How to stay safe in South MS flooding

Here’s what to do to stay safe during a flood, according to the National Weather Service:

• Stay informed by listening to radio and television news and checking social media
• Get to higher ground
• Obey evacuation orders
• Practice electrical safety
• Avoid floodwaters. Do not try to drive into flooded roadways

Natalie Demaree

mcclatchy-newsroom

479-616-0125

Natalie Demaree is a service journalism reporter covering Mississippi for McClatchy Media. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia Journalism School and a bachelor’s in journalism and political science with a specialization in African and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas.