Isaias expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to north Mississippi

Hurricane Isaias is expected to come ashore on the Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday before reaching north Mississippi Saturday as a much weaker storm, Lafayette County EMA said. It will not be a hurricane in the area.

Lafayette County could receive 2 to 3 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts. The heaviest rain is expected Saturday morning, while conditions could affect the area from about sunrise to midnight; a few showers may begin after 1 a.m. Saturday. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph, potentially bringing down limbs and causing some power outages.

The agency advised residents to clear leaves and debris from storm drains, gutters and ditches, secure outdoor items, charge phones and keep a flashlight available. It also warned drivers to turn around if they encounter water over a road, saying a few inches of moving water can sweep away a car.

As of Thursday morning, Lafayette County had no watches or warnings. The agency said it is in contact with the National Weather Service in Memphis and will post updates if that changes. Travel to Nashville for the Ole Miss game could include rain and gusty wind Saturday. Sunday is expected to bring an early shower followed by sunshine and a high of 77 degrees.

Source: Lafayette County EMA.