Heavy rain expected Friday; flood watch in effect

Published 10:44 am Friday, January 9, 2026

Meridian and Lauderdale County residents will want to keep an eye on the sky Friday as heavy rains are expected to hit the area.

Potential rainfall of two to three inches in a short amount of time promoted the National Weather Service in Jackson has issued a flood watch for much of the central part of the state. According to the weather alert, total rainfall could reach as much as six inches.

The flood watch will remain in effect until midnight.

In a post to social media, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency encouraged residents to monitor weather updates and never try to drive through flooded roadways.

Severe weather is also possible throughout Central Mississippi on Friday, with the main threat to the Meridian and Lauderdale County area running until 10 p.m.

Damaging wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are possible and potential tornadoes cannot be ruled out, the National Weather Service said.