Rain expected to be heavy at times

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January 20, 2010

By Brian Livingston / staff writer The Meridian Star Wed Jan 20, 2010, 11:46 PM CST

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Jackson said Meridian and Lauderdale County could receive up to five inches of rain after several upper level pulses cross the area this morning and into western Alabama.

The rain began Wednesday afternoon and NWS Doppler radar showed other systems with heavy rain embedded in them moving out of southwest Mississippi and western Louisiana moving to the northeast. Joanne Culin, a meteorologist with the NWS, said Wednesday most places would get two to three inches but added there could be periods of intense downpours.

"With each of these thunderstorm systems there is also the likelihood the eastern Mississippi portion of the state could get hail and high winds," Culin said.

The area is under a flash flood watch until later today, Culin said.

Lauderdale County Road Engineer Neal Carson said although many people have moved out of flood prone areas of Meridian and the county, residents still need to be watchful for rising water conditions. He said motorists should also not try to cross roadways when flood waters are present.

"People underestimate the power of water," said Carson. "It is best to turn around and find another route if possible."

Culin said the NWS has a safety program to remind motorists of that fact. "Turn Around, Don't Drown," (TADD) is a NOAA National Weather Service campaign to warn people of the hazards of walking or driving a vehicle through flood waters.

"It only takes six inches of water to sweep a person off their feet," said Culin. "Two feet of flood waters can sweep a vehicle off the roadway. People need to respect the power of water."

The TADD Web site said each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, officials said.

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