Mississippi remains in an active emergency response as severe flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur continues to affect communities across the state. Gov. Tate Reeves on Friday declared a state of emergency to speed the deployment of state resources and support relief efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
In an interview with Fox Weather on Saturday morning, Reeves said the storm has posed a major challenge for emergency responders.
“Obviously Tropical Storm Arthur has proven to be a bear to deal with,” Reeves said. “Immense amounts of rain, already elevated levels of water, and one of the things we talk about in every natural disaster.”
Reeves said flooding requires a flexible, specialized response strategy and pointed to a recent concern involving a dam in Pearl River County.
“We had a potential dam break in Pearl River County, so we had the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality regulate dams in our state,” Reeves said. “We got that particular threat, and we think at this time is managed. We are monitoring it very, very closely. So again, there is a wide variety of different types of damage that occur in flooding situations like this.”
He said flood risk remains elevated statewide.
“We have the challenge in Mississippi that as we stand this morning; Saturday morning, there is actually an elevated flooding risk in virtually every county in our state. Obviously some more than others particularly down on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
The state is addressing roughly 4,000 power outages and damage to forty roads and two bridges. Officials also confirmed one fatality linked to the severe weather.
“We only have one reported fatality there in Franklin County,” Reeves said. “And we are praying for the family.”
Reeves praised first responders working through dangerous conditions to protect residents.
“I’m incredibly encouraged and so proud of the work of so many people in emergency management space here in Mississippi,” Reeves said. “Our local emergency managers, our fire, our police, they stepped up and they helped their friends and neighbors in times of disaster.”
Impacted counties
According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the following counties have reported significant damage and emergency activity:
• Harrison County: The Biloxi River reached a record crest of 31.82 feet. Crews performed more than 96 high-water rescues, and over 97 roads were closed at the height of the flooding.
• Stone County: Emergency teams completed 59 rescue and relocation missions. Infrastructure damage included a compromised water tower and eight road closures.
• Pearl River County: Water levels are receding. Thirteen homes and one business were damaged. Officials said the Anchor Lake dam remains in safe operating condition.
• George County: Flooding destroyed a road project and washed out part of Highway 26 West.
• Jackson County: Officials are preparing for continued flooding as the Pascagoula and Escatawpa rivers rise toward flood stage.
• Jones and Covington Counties: Multiple roads are closed due to washouts and fallen trees. A camper in Jones County was hit by a falling tree, but no injuries were reported.
• Hancock and Perry Counties: Rescue teams remain on standby as water levels are monitored.
Shelter availability
Residents in need of shelter or a safe location can access the following open facilities:
American Red Cross shelters:
• Hancock County – Kiln Safe Room, 18324 Highway 43, Kiln, MS 39556
• Harrison County – Saucier-Lizana Road Safe Room, 23715 Saucier-Lizana Road, Saucier, MS 39574
• Stone County – Ferris B. O’Neal Senior Center, 1240 South Magnolia Drive, Wiggins, MS 39577
Open safe rooms in Pearl River County:
• Picayune Safe Room, 501 Laurel Street, Picayune, MS
• Carriere Safe Room, 7431 Highway 11 South, Carriere, MS
• Poplarville Safe Room, 124 Rodeo Street, Poplarville, MS
Community assistance
The state is collecting supplies to help flood‑affected residents. Donations may be dropped off today at the Old National Guard Armory on the State Fairgrounds, 1207 Mississippi Street in Jackson, until 4 p.m. The site will reopen Monday, June 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Requested items include buckets, bleach, rags, paper towels and mops. Churches and community organizations are encouraged to assist by collecting and transporting supplies as road conditions improve.
Most of Mississippi remains under an elevated Level 2 flash flood threat through the afternoon, with an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain possible in some areas. Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts and emergency alerts as state, local and federal partners continue coordinated response efforts.