Flash floods in Pearl River County force overnight rescues

Flash flooding swept through Pearl River County in the early morning hours, forcing emergency crews to conduct multiple rescues. Jonathan Head, the director of the Pearl River County Emergency Management Agency, reported that rescue teams saved five individuals who were trapped inside their vehicles. Another seven residents called for assistance to evacuate their homes as the water levels climbed.

The flooding also affected eight other houses, according to official reports. Personnel from the Pearl River County Fire Rescue department and Joint Search and Rescue operated throughout the night to assist residents. By the time morning arrived, crews were already addressing damage along Highway 43. Specifically, they repaired sections of the road between Mitchell Chapel Road and Buckbranch School Road.

The water rose with sudden speed around midnight, according to Jordan Thomas, a resident of Old Camp Road in Poplarville. Thomas stated that the floodwaters washed out the culvert located under his mother-in-law's driveway. As he attempted to drive his family to safety, he found that the water on his own driveway was deep enough to reach his hips. He reversed the vehicle and used his neighbor's driveway to reach the main road.

About 300 yards down the road, Thomas spotted a vehicle that had been pushed into a ditch. He parked his wife and daughter in a safe location, grabbed a flashlight, and began walking toward the stranded cars. A man arrived on foot carrying two young boys and two daughters. Thomas helped lift the children into his vehicle. He noted that many other people were waiting along the roadside for help.

Thomas estimated that he assisted approximately nine people in escaping the flood zone. He described the effort as a way to give back, stating, "if you get a chance to help somebody, even if it costs you something, I always try to give a helping hand and trust in God." The quick response from neighbors and official responders prevented further injuries during the overnight storm.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of local infrastructure to rapid water accumulation. The damage to the culvert and the road on Highway 43 required immediate attention from county maintenance crews. Residents in the affected areas of Poplarville and surrounding neighborhoods are checking for structural damage as the water recedes. The Pearl River County EMA continues to monitor conditions to ensure no further flooding occurs.

Crews finished the primary repairs on Highway 43 by late morning. The road is now open to traffic in both directions. Officials expect the temporary fixes to hold until permanent repairs can be scheduled. Residents are advised to check their properties for standing water or debris that may have settled in basements and garages.