Reservoir residents should monitor forecasts heading into the weekend as Hurricane Isaias approaches the northern Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service in Jackson issued a tropical weather statement Thursday, October 8, covering the region, with the greatest wind impacts expected across eastern and southeastern Mississippi.
Rankin County, including the eastern side of the Reservoir, is not among the counties placed under a Tropical Storm Watch in the statement. Those watches cover Clarke, Forrest, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee and Winston counties.
At the time of the statement, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and was approximately 550 miles south of Jackson, moving northeast at 12 mph. Forecasters expected the hurricane to make landfall along the Florida Panhandle late Friday, October 9, into early Saturday, October 10, before weakening as it moves inland over Alabama.
For the Reservoir area, rain and gusty winds remain concerns even with the strongest impacts forecast farther east. An earlier Thursday forecast discussion from NWS Jackson identified the potential for heavy rainfall and gusty winds along and east of Interstate 55 beginning Friday night and continuing into Saturday. The amount of rain and strength of the winds will depend on the storm’s eventual track.
The tropical weather statement describes the potential for localized rainfall flooding across central Mississippi, particularly in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage. More significant flooding is possible farther east and northeast. In areas facing stronger winds, potential impacts include fallen limbs, downed trees, blocked roads and scattered power outages.
Residents should check emergency supplies, secure loose outdoor items and keep up with forecast changes before weekend activities. Those in flood-prone locations should be prepared to follow instructions from local officials if conditions worsen.
The National Weather Service planned its next local statement for approximately 10 p.m. Thursday, or sooner if needed. Updated forecasts and alerts are available through our website, NWS Jackson, NOAA Weather Radio and other local weather outlets.
