Urgent rescues are being prompted in parts of Mississippi, specifically in Miss. Louisville, due to slow-moving thunderstorms that have triggered flash floods. These torrential rains have resulted in an accumulation of over a foot of water, causing rising waters.
The National Weather Service stated that the most severe rainfall on Thursday morning was recorded in Louisville and Ackerman, where over 6-12 inches had already accumulated and an additional 3-5 inches of rain were expected, falling at rates of 2-3 inches per hour.
According to the NWS, the Louisville Police have documented numerous inundated buildings and vehicles, with ongoing water rescues.
FOX Weather was informed by Winston County Sheriff Jason Pugh that there are two vehicles completely submerged. We have encountered deep water at two different locations, and we have had to use multiple vehicles to reach these areas.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of any individuals harmed.
Meanwhile, a spotter report indicates that Louisville area has experienced heavy rainfall of 12.91 inches on Thursday, resulting in multiple roads being washed out by floodwaters.
Pugh declared, “Highways and thoroughfares are shut.” “Numerous streets have water beneath the facade.” “There are additionally water formations underneath the highways.”
7 THINGS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF REGARDING FLASH FLOODS.
Pugh mentioned that unfortunately, officials at higher levels have not seen floodwaters reaching them in quite some time and it happened during the midday hours when the rain was still falling.
Pugh expressed, “Water has flooded numerous houses,” emphasizing the difficulty of residents and their homes being affected by the rising water levels. The water is steadily increasing, making it more challenging for people to respond. We are encouraging people to seek safety until they can be rescued and providing assistance to those in need.
Another spotter reported that businesses on Main Street were surrounded by floodwaters. The weight of the heavy rains caused the roof of a building in town to collapse, and a church was also flooded, according to reports from the NWS. The story is similar in nearby Ackerman, with multiple roads closed and flooded.
Drivers underestimating the dangers
A temporary refuge has been established in Louisville to offer shelter to individuals affected by flooding.
“We have everyone in the field that we can bring into the field at this moment,” Pugh stated.
The Flash Flood Emergency warning applies to Ackerman until 5:45 p.M. CDT, while a separate Flash Flood Emergency for Louisville, which also includes the town of McMillan, remains valid until 3:45 p.M. CDT.
Pugh is urging everyone to stay at home and stay off the roads if travel is urgently needed, as the dangers of rescue may be underestimated and roads may be washed below water or flooded where it seems higher than it may be.
“Drivers were unaware of the water’s depth,” Pugh stated. “Subsequently, the vehicles became flooded… And the water levels continued to increase.”
A section of Interstate 20/59 in Sumter County has been shut down in both directions due to fast-moving water covering the road. The continuous rainfall has also prompted Flash Flood Warnings in the counties surrounding Louisville. These warnings extend into western Alabama.
On Wednesday, severe weather swept across the Mississippi Valley, dumping 8-10 inches of rain in just a few hours, including parts of southwestern Arkansas. It was the second day with heavy, flash flood-triggering rains, leading to emergencies.