A Corinth flood advisory went out before dawn Sunday after thunderstorms dumped 1.5 to 3 inches of rain on parts of Alcorn, Prentiss, and Tishomingo counties in about three hours. The National Weather Service in Memphis issued the advisory at 4:18 a.m. and kept it in effect until 7:15 a.m., warning of minor flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas around Corinth and Booneville.
The heavy rain came on top of the soaking showers that moved through Northeast Mississippi on Halloween, ending a long dry spell. Forecasters say more rain is on the way, with the next round timed for Tuesday night, the evening of Election Day.
What the Corinth flood advisory covered
According to the National Weather Service, Doppler radar showed heavy rain from thunderstorms over the region early Sunday, with 1.5 to 3 inches falling since 1 a.m. The advisory covered:
- All of Alcorn County
- Northern Prentiss County
- Northern Tishomingo County
- Tippah, Union, central Benton, and northwestern Pontotoc counties
- Eastern Lafayette and southeastern Marshall counties
Corinth, Booneville, and New Albany were named as places likely to see flooding. The weather service described the expected impacts as minor flooding of low spots, ditches, and streets with poor drainage.
Use caution on rural roads
Even after an advisory ends, standing water can linger on county roads and low-water crossings, especially in the hilly parts of Tishomingo and Prentiss counties. The weather service reminds drivers that the terrain has hundreds of low-water crossings that can become dangerous in heavy rain.
- Do not drive through water covering a road. Turn around and find another route.
- Watch for washed-out shoulders and debris on gravel roads.
- Slow down on wet pavement, since visibility and traction drop during downpours.
Forecast: more rain Tuesday night into Wednesday
The Memphis forecast office expects showers to keep going Sunday morning and taper off in the afternoon, with another quarter to half inch possible in Corinth. Highs should reach the mid-60s. Monday looks drier, mostly cloudy, and warmer, with a high near 74.
The next system arrives later than earlier forecasts had suggested. Election Day itself looks mostly dry in Corinth, with only a slight chance of a shower after noon and gusty south winds up to 25 mph. Showers and thunderstorms move in Tuesday night, with 1 to 2 inches of new rain possible, and they continue into Wednesday…