Flood advisory issued for Mississippi Coast as Tropical Storm Beta brings heavy rain
A coastal flooding advisory is in effect for parts of the Mississippi Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Beta is forecast to bring heavy, widespread rain to the region in the coming days.
The slow-moving system is expected to produce a “long duration rainfall event” stretching from coastal Texas to southeast Louisiana and is set to drench the lower Mississippi Valley with 3 to 5 inches of rain Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“Flash and urban flooding is likely, as well as isolated minor river flooding,” forecasts say. Weather officials also noted the risk for “life threatening” surf and rip current conditions along much of the Gulf Coast.
As of Monday morning, Tropical Storm Beta was moving west-northwest at 7 mph with 50 mph maximum sustained winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. The system’s minimum central pressure was measured at 997 mb.
A coastal flood advisory was issued for Harrison County early Monday and will remain in effect through 7 a.m. Thursday, per county Emergency Management Agency director Rupert Lacy. The Mississippi Gulf Coast will see increased rain chances later in the week as Beta continues creeping along the coast.
Minor flooding 1 to 3 feet above ground is possible, officials said. No other major impacts are expected with the storm.
This story was originally published September 21, 2020 at 12:27 PM.