Forrest County Emergency Management

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The Emergency Management District aims to better prepare the citizens of Forrest County for manmade and natural disasters. Become a fan or join our Facebook Group to stay up to date with the latest at the The Emergency Management District.

10/21/2026

Weather Alert -

NWS JAN has issued
a Special Weather Statement

FOR: Forrest & Lamar County

-INCREASED FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXPECTED THIS WEEK FOR SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS, NORTHEAST LOUISIANA AND MUCH OF MISSISSIPPI

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-...INCREASED FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXPECTED THIS WEEK FOR SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS, NORTHEAST LOUISIANA AND MUCH OF MISSISSIPPI... According to local forestry agencies and the U.S. Forest Service, recent longstanding drought conditions have led to extremely dry fuels, making outdoor burning increasingly hazardous. Conditions are such that a spark from equipment, the heat from a catalytic converter, or any heat source could start a grass or brush fire. The combination of dry fine fuels, such as grass, and low relative humidity will continue to result elevated fire danger across the region this week. Minimum relative humidity values will range from upper teens to below 30 percent during the daytime hours the next couple of days, supporting increased fire danger given the longstanding drought conditions and extremely dry and wildfire prone fuels. 20ft winds remain light during this timeframe. These extremely dry conditions will support the spread of wildfires, even with light winds. Outdoor burning and activities that involve open sparks or flames are discouraged and extra caution is advised with any open burning. Please report all wildfires to local law enforcement as soon as possible. Numerous counties and parishes are under local burn bans at the present time. Fires place local forestry agencies, fire departments, and other fire control agencies in life threatening situations, and can endanger communities. Please use caution and help prevent forest and grass fires.

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This Message issued by the National Weather Service and retransmitted by this page for informational purposes only

Elevated fire danger conditions are expected through Sunday due to the combination of wind, very low relative humidity, ...
10/15/2026

Elevated fire danger conditions are expected through Sunday due to the combination of wind, very low relative humidity, and dry fuels. Conditions worsen Friday as a strong cold front moves in, bringing gusty northwest winds around 25 to 35 mph. Make sure to heed local burn bans.

We are still monitoring Hurricane Isaias.Landfall is forecasted for the center of Isaias to make landfall today Friday ...
10/09/2026

We are still monitoring Hurricane Isaias.

Landfall is forecasted for the center of Isaias to make landfall today Friday Oct. 9 around 8-9pm between Pensacola and Ft. Walton.

Our area is looking better. We are still under a Tropical Storm Watch.

The forecasted winds for our are 11-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. The winds will start around 8pm tonight and last for a couple of hours. The wind will be our greatest concern. There may be some tree/limb damage.

We are out of the threat of significant rain. Maybe 1 inch.

Here is the Key Messages from the National Hurricane Center:

Key Messages:

1. A life-threatening storm surge is expected from the Mouth of the
Mississippi River to Suwannee, Florida. Residents under evacuation
orders should leave immediately and follow advice from local
officials.

2. Extremely dangerous and damaging hurricane force-winds are
expected over portions of the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama,
and southern Mississippi where a Hurricane Warning is in effect.
Residents in these areas should have a safe room to ride out the
storm and prepare for long-duration power outages.

3. Damaging wind gusts are likely over a large portion of the
southeastern United States from western and northern Georgia
westward over much of central and northern Alabama, southern middle
Tennessee, and Mississippi, especially in areas of higher terrain.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, avoid driving
high-profile vehicles, prepare for power outages, and be aware of
the potential for falling trees.

4. Isaias will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S.
Gulf coast and much of the Southeast through the weekend.
Considerable flash and urban flooding, and significant river
flooding, are possible.

5. The tornado potential will increase this afternoon and continue
through tonight. The greatest risk will be east of the center,
particularly across the Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia.
This risk will continue spreading north-northeast across
parts of the Southeast on Saturday.

10/08/2026

Forrest County is under a Tropical Storm Watch

Forrest-
411 PM CDT Thu Oct 8 2026
..TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT...

A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible
somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 10-20 mph with gusts to 35 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: around 1 inch

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and
bridge closures.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected
- PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms
with gusty winds may still occur.
- PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect
against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest
tornado situation.
- ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None
- Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.

We are still monitoring Hurricane Isaias. Landfall is foretasted for Friday around 7pm on the west side of Pensacola ...
10/08/2026

We are still monitoring Hurricane Isaias.

Landfall is foretasted for Friday around 7pm on the west side of Pensacola Bay.

At this time, the forecast calls for approximately 2-4 inches of rainfall, with the potential for localized flash flooding in our area.

There is currently a 27% chance of Tropical Storm–force winds (39+ mph) in our area from approximately 8:00 PM Friday through 8:00 AM Saturday. However this may change.

We will continue to monitor and update as the storm progresses.

National Hurricane Center Key Messages:

1. A life-threatening storm surge is expected from the Mouth of the
Mississippi River to Suwannee, Florida. Residents in the warning
area should follow advice given by local officials and evacuate
immediately if told to do so.

2. Damaging hurricane force-winds are expected over portions of the
Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi where
a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Residents in these areas should
prepare for the possibility of long-duration power outages.

3. Damaging wind gusts are possible over much of central and
northern Alabama and portions of western and northern Georgia,
especially in areas of higher terrain. Additional Tropical Storm
and High Wind Watches and Warnings will likely be required for
portions of that area later today. Residents should secure loose
outdoor items, avoid driving high-profile vehicles, and prepare for
power outages.

4. Isaias will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S.
Gulf coast and much of the Southeast Friday into the weekend.
Considerable flash and urban flooding, along with significant river
flooding, will be possible.


Key Points
1. The forecast generally remains on track.
2. Landfall is forecast to occur tomorrow evening across the western Florida Panhandle with 85 mph winds
3. There is a risk of tornadoes to the east of the track late tomorrow into Saturday.
Our Forecast
Isaias continues to have winds of 80 mph. However, the pressure continues to fall. This should allow for both the maximum winds to increase and for the overall size of the hurricane to increase. Additional intensification is expected over the next day or so. Our forecast is for Isaias to peak with winds of 105 mph tomorrow morning. It is possible that Isaias could be a little stronger at its peak intensity. As Isaias approaches the northern Gulf coast, increasing wind shear should lead to weakening. Our forecast is for Isaias to have winds to 85 mph at landfall. There is a high degree of uncertainty with this landfall forecast. It is possible that it could be a fair bit weaker or stronger than we are forecasting. The various models are showing significant differences in the landfall intensity.
There have been few changes to the forecast track this morning. A gradual turn to the northeast and then to the north is expected today. This will take Isaias to the western Florida Panhandle tomorrow evening. Landfall is forecast to occur tomorrow night. The strongest wind and highest tidal surge will occur east of the center. After landfall, a bend to the NNW is expected.

Hello,It looks like the track has shifted farther east, which is good news for us. However, landfall is still approximat...
10/07/2026

Hello,

It looks like the track has shifted farther east, which is good news for us. However, landfall is still approximately three days away, so there is plenty of time for the forecast to change.

At this time, the forecast calls for approximately 3–5 inches of rainfall, with the potential for localized flash flooding.

There is currently a 10–20% chance of Tropical Storm–force winds (39+ mph) in our area from approximately 8:00 PM Friday through 8:00 AM Saturday. These probabilities could change if the track shifts farther east or west.

Key Messages from the National Hurricane Center

1. Isaias is expected to strengthen into a strong hurricane before approaching the northern Gulf Coast on Friday. There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the northern Gulf Coast, and a Storm Surge Watch has been issued from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Yankeetown, Florida. Residents in the watch area should follow guidance from local officials and evacuate if instructed to do so.
2. The risk of damaging hurricane-force winds is increasing across portions of the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and Mississippi. A Hurricane Watch has been issued from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Indian Pass, Florida. Residents in these areas should prepare for the possibility of long-duration power outages.
3. Isaias will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S. Gulf Coast and much of the Southeast from Friday into the weekend. Flash and urban flooding, along with isolated river flooding, will be possible.
4. Isaias could bring gusty winds and areas of heavy rain to the western portion of the Yucatán Peninsula over the next day or so.



Current Forecast

The track has been adjusted farther east with this advisory. Landfall is currently forecast for Friday evening near the Florida–Alabama border as a Category 2 hurricane.

There is also an increased risk of tornadoes east of the storm track prior to landfall and within 6–12 hours following landfall.

New model guidance continues to shift the track eastward. We have adjusted the projected landfall point to near the Alabama–Florida border. While this decreases the risk of significant storm surge and strong winds along the Mississippi coast and southeastern Louisiana, there is still a possibility that the track could shift back to the west. However, there is growing model consensus for a landfall east of Mississippi.

On satellite imagery, Isaias appears much better organized this morning. Reconnaissance data indicate that the system is still somewhat poorly organized, but squalls are increasing east of the center, and upper-level conditions remain favorable for continued strengthening into a hurricane by Thursday morning.

It is possible that Isaias could strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane on Thursday. We still anticipate some weakening prior to landfall. Current guidance places landfall as a lower-end Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph, although it could be weaker.

After landfall, Isaias is expected to steadily weaken as it tracks northward across Alabama on Saturday.

🚨 SMOKE IN THE AREA — HATTIESBURG & PETAL 🚨Forrest County Emergency Management is aware of the increased amount of smoke...
10/07/2026

🚨 SMOKE IN THE AREA — HATTIESBURG & PETAL 🚨

Forrest County Emergency Management is aware of the increased amount of smoke settling across the Hattiesburg and Petal areas today.

The smoke is primarily the result of several prescribed burns being conducted in the surrounding area. Weather conditions and light winds are allowing the smoke to settle and remain near the ground, resulting in reduced visibility and noticeable smoke throughout portions of the area.

🔥 This smoke is associated with prescribed burns and is not currently believed to be related to a large uncontrolled wildfire.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution, particularly in areas where visibility has been reduced. Slow down, increase following distance, and use headlights when traveling through smoky areas.

Residents who are sensitive to smoke should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities while conditions persist.

We will continue to monitor conditions and provide additional information if needed.

Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook800 AM EDT Tue Oct 6 2026Southwestern Gulf of America (AL92):Showers and thunderstorms ...
10/06/2026

Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook
800 AM EDT Tue Oct 6 2026
Southwestern Gulf of America (AL92):
Showers and thunderstorms are showing signs of organization in association with a broad area of low pressure located over the southwestern Gulf of America. Continued development of this system is expected, and a tropical depression is anticipated to form over the next day or so while it drifts eastward. The low pressure area could bring gusty winds and areas of heavy rain to the western
portions of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico in a couple of days.
The disturbance is expected to turn to the north or northeast toward the northern Gulf Coast by the end of the week. It is still too early to determine specific impacts to the northern Gulf Coast, but interests from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana should closely monitor the progress of this system. The NOAA Gulfstream is
scheduled to sample the environment over the Gulf later today and an Air Force reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system tomorrow. It has a high (90 percent) chance of formation in 49 hours and in the next 7 days.

09/03/2026

Weather Alert -

NWS JAN has issued
a Special Weather Statement

FOR: Lamar County

-A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT MARION...SOUTHWESTERN COVINGTON...EAST CENTRAL LAWRENCE...LAMAR AND SOUTHERN JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTIES THROUGH 500 PM CDT

-At 353 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Melba, or 12 miles southwest of Collins, moving west at 15 mph.

-...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT MARION...SOUTHWESTERN COVINGTON...EAST CENTRAL LAWRENCE...LAMAR AND SOUTHERN JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTIES THROUGH 500 PM CDT... At 353 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Melba, or 12 miles southwest of Collins, moving west at 15 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This strong thunderstorm will be near... Bassfield and Carson around 400 PM CDT. Bunker Hill around 405 PM CDT. Society Hill around 420 PM CDT. Goss around 430 PM CDT. Progress around 440 PM CDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. && LAT...LON 3105 8984 3107 8984 3108 8985 3152 9006 3159 8961 3112 8936 3100 8971 3100 8981 TIME...MOT...LOC 2053Z 073DEG 13KT 3149 8967 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

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HAZARD...Wind Gusts Up To 50 Mph And Nickel Size Hail.

SOURCE...Radar Indicated.IMPACT...Gusty Winds Could Knock Down Tree Limbs And Blow Around Unsecured Objects. Minor Hail Damage To Vegetation Is Possible.

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This Message issued by the National Weather Service and retransmitted by this page for informational purposes only

08/28/2026

Weather Alert -

NWS JAN has issued
a Special Weather Statement

FOR: Lamar County

-A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EASTERN MARION AND WESTERN LAMAR COUNTIES THROUGH 615 PM CDT

-At 524 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Improve, or 9 miles northeast of Columbia, moving south at 25 mph.

-...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EASTERN MARION AND WESTERN LAMAR COUNTIES THROUGH 615 PM CDT... At 524 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Improve, or 9 miles northeast of Columbia, moving south at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This strong thunderstorm will be near... Columbia around 530 PM CDT. Pine Burr around 535 PM CDT. Pickwick around 545 PM CDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. && LAT...LON 3106 8984 3107 8984 3108 8989 3139 8983 3139 8982 3141 8983 3144 8982 3143 8951 3102 8962 TIME...MOT...LOC 2224Z 014DEG 23KT 3133 8969 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

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HAZARD...Wind Gusts Up To 40 Mph And Half Inch Hail.

SOURCE...Radar Indicated.IMPACT...Gusty Winds Could Knock Down Tree Limbs And Blow Around Unsecured Objects. Minor Hail Damage To Vegetation Is Possible.

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This Message issued by the National Weather Service and retransmitted by this page for informational purposes only

Address

4080 US-11
Hattiesburg, MS
39402

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16015445911

Website

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