BROOKHAVEN — Rain and potential flash flooding threatens Lincoln County starting today and into Friday. The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rain for the area.

Wednesday’s chance of rain is 50 percent with the best chance of rain coming after 4 p.m. A tenth of an inch is forecast but more rain could fall in localized thunderstorms.

Showers are likely Thursday with thunderstorms possible and an 80 percent chance of rain. Rainfall could be between a quarter to a half inch. Friday’s rain chances drop back down to 50 percent with heavy rainfall expected. One to two inches of rain could fall during Friday afternoon.

NWS Jackson warns of a limited threat of flash flooding Wednesday to Friday. Total rainfall in localized areas could be between one to three inches with higher amounts in thunderstorms. Low-lying areas and urban areas could be at risk of flooding.

 

Drought conditions

Long-term drought forecasts show the current moderate drought conditions will subside eventually in Lincoln County. According to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, the rating for the soil moisture conditions is now 600 to 700 meaning it would take 6 to 7 inches of rain for soil to return to normal levels. The 600 to 700 range is often associated with severe drought, increased wildfire risk and intense fires.

Wildfire risk continues to be forecast as low to moderate. Mississippi Forestry Commission shows burn bans are issued in Adams and Franklin County. The forecasted rain will likely stave off the conversation of a burn ban for Lincoln County.

A new drought conditions map will be published Thursday.

 

Hurricane season

Three tropical disturbances are lined up in the Atlantic Ocean and moving west according to the National Hurricane Center. One is located off of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico and has a 30 percent chance of cyclone formation in the next seven days.

The other two tropical disturbances are slowly developing and moving across the Atlantic Ocean. Each of the two disturbances has 10 and 20 percent chances of tropical cyclone formation in the next seven days.

Check back for more updates as we continue to monitor hurricane activity.