Mississippi bracing for another round of severe weather and flooding

The National Weather Service in Jackson is predicting another round of severe weather for Mississippi beginning Saturday morning.

Predictions are that the western central portion of the state will be hit hard, including Vicksburg and Warren County.

Warren County Emergency Manager John Elfer provided a weather update Friday morning. (photo by David Day)

In anticipation of the severe weather, Warren County Emergency Management Director John Elfer convened a meeting of law enforcement and other local agencies to provide an update.

Starting tonight around 9 p.m., an intense line of severe thunderstorms will move through the area. Widespread damaging winds with gusts up to 70 and 80 mph, tornadoes—some of which could be strong—and large hail are all expected.

The worst of the weather is expected to move through the area in the early morning hours of Saturday while many residents are asleep.

Flood warnings are in effect until further notice for the Big Black and Pearl rivers.

To remain safe, emergency personnel suggest the following emergency measures:

1. In Warren County, sign up for Code Red notifications at https://co.warren.ms.us/code-red-emergency-alert/ or call 601-636-1544.
2. Have a battery-powered radio and flashlights readily available.
3. Make sure cellphones are fully charged.
4. Have a NOAA Weather Radio with battery power.
5. Make a plan for taking shelter in your home or elsewhere.

Read more from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after the images.

See our live interview with Elfer on our Facebook page.

(image from the National Weather Service in Jackson)

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace speaks to the assembled agencies.

Every local agency was in attendance at Friday morning’s meeting. (photo by David Day)

From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District:

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall will cover much of the lower Mississippi River valley in the next seven days. Additionally, severe storms are forecasted throughout the region Saturday, Jan. 11. During that time, widespread damaging winds up to 70 mph, tornadoes and large hail will all be possible.

As of 2 p.m. CST, Thursday, the stage of the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi, is 37.75 ft. The Mississippi River at Vicksburg is forecasted to peak and hold steady within the next seven days and to begin to rise again through mid-January. Forecasts indicate that the Mississippi River at Vicksburg could surpass flood stage (43 ft.) within the next 14 days.

The Mississippi River is expected to crest a flood stage at Arkansas City, Arkansas (37 ft.) and at Greenville, Mississippi (48 ft.) within the next 14 days. The Mississippi River at Natchez is predicted to also surpass flood stage (48 ft.) within the same timeframe.

Past and forecasted heavy rainfall is expected to further elevate stages on the Pearl River, potentially to flood stages in some locations.

Across the Yazoo Basin, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District’s four Mississippi flood control reservoirs – Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid and Grenada lakes – are releasing water to regain additional storage capacity. The gates of the Steele Bayou Control Structure, located approximately 10 miles north of Vicksburg, remain open and are expected to close within the next 48 hours.

The Vicksburg District’s engineers and technical experts continue to monitor water levels and flood control works across the region; work with our local, state and federal partners; and provide updates as they become available.