Severe storms loom, Lincoln County will be under flood watch

BROOKHAVEN — Forecasts show more storms could be on the way for Lincoln County. The news comes after a severe storm Monday spawned a pair of tornadoes in Lawrence County with downbursts of strong winds injuring one man and three homes were damaged in Lincoln County.

An updated forecast from the National Weather Service in Jackson placed Lincoln County under a flood watch starting Friday at 1 a.m. until 1 a.m. Saturday. The watch announcement states excessive runoff and 3 to 6 inches of rainfall over a short period of time could result in flooding. Lincoln, Lawrence, Copiah and Franklin Counties are included in the watch.

NWS Jackson warns southwest Mississippi will face another set of storms Thursday and Friday. Lincoln County is under a marginal risk of severe storms Thursday evening. The storms could produce isolated severe storms with damaging wind gusts reaching 60 mph, hail up to a quarter in size and tornadoes could be possible.

NWS warns the risk will increase for severe weather Friday evening. Lincoln County and much of central to south Mississippi will be at a slight risk of severe weather. Severe storms could produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, hail up to quarter to golf ball size and tornadoes are possible.

Heavy rainfall could cause flooding of low lying areas and water systems. Lincoln County and the rest of southwest Mississippi are under an enhanced risk of flash flooding from Thursday evening to Friday evening. Anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of rain is possible in a short period of time, the National Weather Service warns.

Areas of flash flooding are likely, some roads could become flooded and some structures could become threatened by flood waters. Minor river flooding is also possible. Bayou Pierre and the Bogue Chitto River were both swollen with water Monday morning.

The National Weather Service reminds drivers if they encounter flooded roads they should turn around, don’t drown.

Check back for more updates.

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