Key facts
- Alert
- Red Flag Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service offices: Mobile AL, Jackson MS
- Areas
- Wayne; Perry; Greene; Stone; George; Ashley; Chicot; Morehouse; West Carroll; East Carroll; Richland; Madison; Franklin; Catahoula; Tensas; Concordia; Bolivar; Sunflower; Leflore; Grenada; Carroll; Montgomery; Webster; Clay; Lowndes; Choctaw; Oktibbeha; Washington; Humphreys; Holmes; Attala; Winston; Noxubee; Issaquena; Sharkey; Yazoo; Leake; Neshoba; Kemper; Warren; Hinds; Rankin; Scott; Newton; Lauderdale; Claiborne; Copiah; Simpson; Smith; Jasper; Clarke; Jefferson; Adams; Lincoln; Lawrence; Jefferson Davis; Covington; Jones; Marion; Lamar; Forrest
- In effect
- until 7:00 PM CDT, Oct 17, 2026
What the National Weather Service says
“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.”
National Weather Service offices: Mobile AL, Jackson MS, Red Flag Warning, 7:32 AM CDT Oct 17, 2026 · official alert
“Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
National Weather Service offices: Mobile AL, Jackson MS, Red Flag Warning, 7:32 AM CDT Oct 17, 2026 · official alert
“Avoid activities that promote open flames and sparks.”
National Weather Service offices: Mobile AL, Jackson MS, Red Flag Warning, 7:32 AM CDT Oct 17, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Do not burn anything outdoors while the warning is in effect. That includes trash, brush and debris piles.
Avoid anything that can throw sparks or make an open flame. Do not toss cigarettes from a vehicle, and keep hot vehicle parts and equipment away from dry grass.
If a fire starts near you, call local emergency services right away. Follow any local evacuation orders immediately.
Check with your local officials for burn bans before you do any outdoor work or activity in the warned area.
Context
The National Weather Service says fuels are critically dry. Combined with wind and low humidity, a fire that starts can spread quickly.
FEMA records for some of the warned counties show past disaster declarations, mostly for storms, flooding and hurricanes. Flood-insurance claims count only insured properties, so they do not measure fire risk.
Updates
- The red flag warning is no longer in effect.
- The National Weather Service updated the red flag warning; it remains in effect until 7:00 PM CDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the red flag warning; it remains in effect until 7:00 PM CDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the red flag warning; it remains in effect until 7:00 PM CDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the red flag warning; it remains in effect until 7:00 PM CDT.
- NWS Jackson MS issued the red flag warning until 7:00 PM CDT.
History here
This county: 62 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1979, most recent 2025.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4270 (2016): severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding
- DR-1834 (2009): severe storms and tornadoes
- DR-1793 (2008): severe storms and flooding associated with hurricane gustav
This county: 153 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1979, most recent 2025.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4441 (2019): severe storms and flooding
- DR-4270 (2016): severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding
- DR-1975 (2011): severe storms, tornadoes, and associated flooding
- DR-1845 (2009): severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
- DR-1793 (2008): severe storms and flooding associated with hurricane gustav
This county: 239 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1978, most recent 2026.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
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Questions
- Is there a Red Flag Warning in Mississippi right now?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Jackson has a Red Flag Warning for central and southern Mississippi, plus southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana. It was issued at 11:19 AM CDT and runs until 7:00 PM CDT Saturday.
- What are the wind and humidity conditions in the Red Flag Warning?
- Today, northwest winds are 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, and minimum relative humidity is 25 to 40 percent. On Saturday, north winds are around 15 mph with gusts to around 25 mph, and humidity is 30 to 35 percent.
- Can I burn outdoors during a Red Flag Warning?
- No. The National Weather Service says outdoor burning is not recommended, because any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Avoid activities that promote open flames and sparks.
Sources
- National Weather Service offices: Mobile AL, Jackson MS: Red Flag Warning, Oct 17, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
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