Severe weather and flooding continue across Mississippi; one fatality reported
MEMA, (WXXV) Mississippi continues to face dangerous flooding and severe weather impacts, with state and local agencies responding to widespread damage, road closures, and water rescues across multiple counties.
State officials have confirmed a tragic fatality in Franklin County, where a county road crew member was killed while assisting with storm‑cleanup operations. Authorities are asking Mississippians to keep the worker’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Statewide Response Efforts Underway
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Mississippi Department of Public Service, and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) are coordinating with local emergency managers and deploying resources as needed. Crews continue to work in hazardous conditions as additional rainfall threatens to worsen flooding.
Flooding and Rescues Along the Gulf Coast
- Water rescues have been reported in Harrison County.
- Road closures remain in effect across George, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone counties due to high water and storm damage.
- Power outages continue to climb, with 10,452 customers without electricity as of 5:20 p.m. Thursday.
Anchor Lake Dam Being Closely Monitored
Officials are closely watching the Anchor Lake dam in Pearl River County, where water is currently flowing through both the primary and auxiliary spillways. According to MDEQ, the system is functioning as designed, but storage capacity is nearly exhausted. With more rain in the forecast, additional runoff could overwhelm the spillways and compromise the structure.
MDEQ’s dam safety director is en route to the site and remains in communication with local officials.
Evacuations and Safety Precautions
Approximately 30 homes are being evacuated as a precaution. Residents near the East Hobolochitto Creek basin—particularly those east of I‑59 between East Boley Road and West Union Road—are urged to move to higher ground and stay alert for rapidly changing conditions.
State leaders are asking Mississippians to keep road crews, first responders, and emergency managers in their prayers as they continue working in extremely dangerous conditions. Their efforts are critical to keeping communities safe as the severe weather threat continues.
Officials urge residents to:
- Avoid flooded roadways
- Monitor emergency alerts
- Follow evacuation guidance
- Stay weather‑aware as additional rainfall develops
