Flash flood warnings issued across southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and central Alabama
Multiple flash flood warnings were issued early on January 10, 2026, across southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and central Alabama as thunderstorms produced intense rainfall exceeding 75 mm (3 inches) in several locations.
Image credit: MeskwakiPD
National Weather Service (NWS) radar shows rainfall rates up to 60 mm (2.5 inches) per hour, with flash flooding already reported in urban and low-lying areas.
The warnings were in effect for portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, covering several parishes and counties prone to flooding.
In Louisiana, warnings included parts of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa parishes. At 05:42 CST, radar estimated between 13 and 25 mm (0.5 to 1 inch) of rainfall, with an additional 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) expected.
Flash flooding was observed at Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales, and Prairieville, affecting local roads and low-lying neighborhoods.
Farther north, another warning covered St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes in Louisiana and Amite, Pike, and Walthall counties in southern Mississippi.
Radar indicated 13 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 inch) of rainfall at 05:24 CST, with the potential for an additional 25 to 75 mm (1 to 3 inches). Traffic on the I-55 was affected between mile markers 52 and 66 in Louisiana and between 1 and 10 in Mississippi.
In central Mississippi, flash flood warnings were issued for Simpson, Covington, Jones, Jasper, and Marion counties, among others. At 05:35 CST rainfall totals reached 25 to 75 mm (1 to 3 inches), with localized rates near 60 mm (2.5 inches) per hour. Urban and small stream flooding was reported near Hattiesburg, Laurel, and Collins.
In Alabama, the NWS office in Birmingham reported flash flooding in Jefferson and Shelby counties, including the Birmingham metropolitan area, Hoover, and Vestavia Hills. Radar data indicated 25 to 75 mm (1 to 3 inches) of rainfall since early morning, with additional amounts likely as thunderstorms persisted.
Authorities urged residents to avoid flooded roads and underpasses, emphasizing that most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. Drivers were reminded to “turn around, don’t drown” when encountering water-covered roadways.
The storm system responsible for these flash floods is forecast to move eastward through the afternoon, with rainfall gradually reducing across the region. Localized flooding may persist into the late morning hours on January 11 where soils are saturated or drainage systems remain overwhelmed.
References:
1 Flash Flood Warning – NWS – January 10, 2026
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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