How much rain will MS Coast get from Tropical Depression Nicholas? Here’s the latest.
Much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is under a flash flood watch and river flood warnings as Tropical Depression Nicholas moves east Wednesday afternoon through south Louisiana.
A total of up to 10 inches of rain is forecast in portions of Harrison and Hancock counties, with 4-6 inches expected in northern portions of the three coastal counties and areas north to Hattiesburg.
A flash flood warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m. Wednesday for Jackson County. The National Weather Service says 4- 7 inches of rain have fallen in the area. Another 1-3 inches of rain is anticipated, with flash flooding ongoing in the warned area.
A flash- lood watch is in effect through Thursday morning for Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Amite, Pike, Walthall, Wilkinson, Marion, Lamar and Forrest counties.
The weather service forecasts a moderate risk of excessive rainfall through Wednesday night and a slight risk through Friday night, mainly along and south of Interstates 10 and 12, through Friday night.
Nicholas dumps ran on MS Coast
“Locally higher rainfall amounts ranging from 5-10 inches and intense rain rates of 2-3 inches per hour could lead to areas of flash flooding,” the weather service says. “The highest threat will be low-lying an poorly drained areas.”
Water could cover roadways in some areas. “Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the NWS warns. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
River flooding forecast
Minor coastal flooding also could occur, with a flood advisory through Thursday morning for coastal areas of Harrison and Hancock counties, where tides are 1-2 feet above normal.
River flood warnings include the following areas and rivers:
- The Biloxi River near Lyman is expected to crest at 17 feet, 5 feet above flood stage, early Thursday afternoon, causing major flooding on Lorraine Road near the bridge and road closures, including Lamey Bridge Road and Old Highway 49 at the Little Biloxi River.
- The Wolf River above Gulfport, where the flood stage is 8 feet, is forecast to crest early Friday afternoon at 13 feet, with moderate flooding and Bells Ferry Road expected to be closed within a mile of the bridge.
- The Jourdan River near Kiln and Bay St. Louis is expected to crest 1.5 feet above flood stage, at 7.5 feet Thursday morning, with minor flooding forecast.
- The Tchoutacabouffa River above D’Iberville is forecast to rise above flood stage Thursday evening and crest 7 feet above flood stage, at 15 feet, Thursday evening, closing Lamey Bridge and making a portion Lamey Bridge Road impassable at 12 feet.
- The Pearl River near Bogalusa, Louisiana, is expected to crest 1 foot above flood stage at 15 feet just after midnight, affecting Pearl River and Hancock counties.
- Moderate flooding is forecast for the West Hobolochitto Creek near McNeill in Pearl River County and the East Hobolochitto Creek near Caesar in Pearl River County, with the river is expected to crest Thursday afternoon 3.5 feet above flood stage at 18.5 feet.
This story was originally published September 15, 2021 at 8:55 AM.
