Rivers flooding in South Mississippi, with warnings issued. Here’s what to know
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- Heavy rain, heaviest in Pearl River, Hancock and Harrison counties, prompted NWS warnings.
- Jourdan River is forecast to crest at 7.9 feet Tuesday, above its 6-foot flood stage.
- Wolf River is forecast to crest at 12 feet Wednesday morning with moderate flooding.
Heavy rainfall is flooding rivers in South Mississippi, with the National Weather Service issuing flood warnings along Hancock and Harrison County waterways.
Rainfall has been heaviest in Pearl River, Hancock and Harrison counties, with 5 to 10 inches of rain Thursday through Monday morning, and up to 15 inches in southwestern Mississippi. Reports are still being totaled for Monday rainfall, the NWS office in Slidell said. Rain has been lighter in Jackson County during the same time, with 2.5 to 6 inches reported through Monday morning and even less in the county’s southeastern corner.
According to the NWS, rain is expected to be lighter Tuesday in South Mississippi. Weather will continue to be stormy through Friday, with some heavy rain bands anticipated.
NWS Meteorologist Christopher Bannan in the Slidell forecast office said the heaviest rains are expected once again in Pearl River, Hancock and Harrison.
“It could definitely cause some bigger issues on the rivers,” he said. With lighter rains Tuesday, he said, rivers will hopefully have a chance to drain.
The Hancock County Emergency Operations Center reported flooded roads Tuesday and said barricades were being placed in some areas along the Jourdan River in Jourdan River Shores.
“First and foremost,” Bannan said, “if any roads are blocked, do not go around barriers. Find alternate routes.”
Flood warnings in effect
Flood warnings are in effect for the following rivers:
- The Jourdan River through Wednesday morning, including Kiln, Bay St. Louis; minor flooding is occurring and forecast. The river is expected to rise to 7.9 feet Tuesday afternoon. Flood stage is 6 feet.
- Wolf River through Friday afternoon, including Landon, Gulfport; minor flooding is occuring and moderate flooding is forecast. The river is expected to crest at 12 feet Wednesday morning. Flood stage is 8 feet.
- Biloxi River until Thursday evening, including Wortham, Lyman; minor flooding is occurring and forecast. The river is expected to crest at 15 feet late Tuesday night. Flood stage is 12 feet.
- Pearl River near Pearl River until Saturday morning; minor flooding is occurring and forecast. The river is expected to crest at 14.8 Tuesday afternoon. Flood stage is 14 feet.
