Louisville, Mississippi – Central Mississippi experienced a deluge of torrential rain on Thursday, resulting in flash flooding that wreaked havoc on roads, homes, and businesses in Winston County and Louisville. Local law enforcement officers heroically rescued stranded individuals from vehicles and homes as water levels rapidly rose.
Sheriff Jason Pugh of Winston County reported that three people were successfully rescued from their vehicles, while several others were evacuated from their homes. One particularly harrowing incident involved a car being swept into a ditch by swift water. Fortunately, the driver managed to escape before the vehicle submerged. Per Pugh, the stranded man had to stand atop his car in knee-deep floodwater until officers could reach him and provide assistance.
Winston County, with a population of approximately 17,500 residents, is situated about 95 miles (153 kilometers) northeast of Jackson. Thankfully, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported within the first six hours of the heavy rainfall, which commenced at around 6 a.m., according to the sheriff. However, Pugh cautioned residents against unnecessary travel, predicting extensive road damage after the floodwaters recede.
Pugh further noted that he has not witnessed such rapid and intense rainfall in the area since his childhood in 1977. “There are streets in Louisville that are flooded that I’ve never seen flooded,” he remarked, illustrating the unprecedented nature of the current situation.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation issued flash flood warnings for certain state highways in Winston and Neshoba counties. Additionally, nearby Choctaw and Noxubee counties also experienced flooded roadways, as reported by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
According to the National Weather Service, central Mississippi may receive up to 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) of rain throughout Thursday, highlighting the severity of the ongoing weather event.
In light of these circumstances, residents are strongly advised to prioritize safety and limit travel to essential purposes until the situation improves. Local authorities and emergency management agencies remain actively engaged in managing the effects of the flash flooding and providing necessary assistance to affected individuals.