Record rainfall in Vicksburg causes Flood Watch and likely Flash Flooding

The National Weather Service in Jackson reports Wednesday’s rainfall set a record for that date of 2.90 inches, causing a Flood Watch for today.

The Flood Watch is in effect through this evening with the National Weather Service in Jackson saying that Flash Flooding is likely.

The previous record of 1.71 inches was set in 2008 and was blown out of the water by Wednesday’s record rainfall of 2.90 inches.  An additional 2-3 inches of rain are forecast for today causing Flash Flood concerns. The ground is already saturated and that will cause any additional rain to quickly run off and lead to additional flooding.

According to the National Weather Service, excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying and flood-prone locations. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. Again, scattered showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain will develop and move across the Vicksburg area today.

The Vicksburg Daily News will monitor later forecasts and alert you to flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

As always, do not cross roadways that are flooded. Most deaths that occur in a flood are people in cars trying to cross a roadway. Turn around, don’t drown.