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August 24, 2022

Soaked South braces for more rain; flash flood emergency issued in Jackson, Mississippi

WATCH: More than 5 million Americans on alert for flooding in the South
By Emily Shapiro

A flash flood emergency has been issued in Jackson, Mississippi, as more rain pounds the South.

Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are expecting 3 to 5 inches of rain over the next 48 hours, sparking flash flooding and river flooding.

The rain will continue to spread, reaching the Gulf by the weekend. Over the next five days, the Gulf Coast from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Fort Myers, Florida, will likely get 3 to 5 inches as well.

Louisiana and Mississippi were already hit by downpours this week, several spots in Mississippi broke daily rainfall records on Monday. Over the last 48 hours, rain totals climbed above 7 inches in Louisiana and reached 6 inches in Mississippi.

WAPT
A person walks during the rain deluge in Jackson, Miss., Aug. 23, 2022.
WAPT
A woman walks to her car, which was flooded during rain deluge in Jackson, Miss., Aug. 23, 2022.
MORE: 3 life-saving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood

Meanwhile, areas along the California/Arizona/Nevada border, including Las Vegas, are bracing for downpours and possible flash flooding on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency in the wake of devastating flooding in Moab and other southern towns. The flooding killed a woman who was hiking in Zion National Park.

Rani Derasary/City of Moab via AP
Vehicles navigate high waters at the intersection of South Main Street and 100 South in Moab, Utah on Aug. 20, 2022, in an image released by the City of Moab. Nearly an inch of rain fell in the area in 20 minutes, leading Mill Creek to overflow and causing flooding of up to 3 feet in depth in places.
MORE: Floodwater safety tips to keep in mind

"We also urge everyone to take flash flood warnings very seriously. We mourn the loss of Jetal Agnihotri of Tucson and pray for her loved ones," the governor said in a statement.

"I’m shocked by the size and scope of the flooding that swept through Moab causing damage to homes, businesses, and local infrastructure,” Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson added. "Fortunately, I’m hopeful for a full recovery."

ABC News' Kenton Gewecke and Melissa Griffin contributed to this report.

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