Key facts
- Alert
- Red Flag Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Jackson MS
- Areas
- 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 8:00 PM CDT, Oct 16, 2026
What the National Weather Service says
“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.”
NWS Jackson MS, Red Flag Warning, 11:19 AM CDT Oct 16, 2026 · official alert
“Outdoor burning is not recommended.”
NWS Jackson MS, Red Flag Warning, 11:19 AM CDT Oct 16, 2026 · official alert
“Avoid activities that promote open flames and sparks.”
NWS Jackson MS, Red Flag Warning, 11:19 AM CDT Oct 16, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Do not burn anything outdoors while the warning is in effect. That includes brush piles, trash, and campfires.
Avoid anything that can throw a spark. Do not park hot vehicles on dry grass, and take care with tools, grills, and cigarettes.
If a fire starts near you, be ready to leave. Follow local evacuation orders right away.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. Check the National Weather Service Jackson fire weather page at www.weather.gov/jan/fireweather for updates.
Context
The National Weather Service describes fuels as critically dry. Together with low humidity of 25 to 40 percent and gusty north winds behind a cold front, this is why any fire could spread quickly.
FEMA records show past disaster declarations for counties in this warning area, mostly for storms, flooding, and hurricanes. Flood insurance claims count only insured properties and do not measure fire risk.
Updates
- The red flag warning expired at 8:00 PM CDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the red flag warning; it remains in effect until 8:00 PM CDT.
- NWS Jackson MS issued the red flag warning until 8:00 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 today?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Jackson has a Red Flag Warning for central and southern Mississippi, plus parts of southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana. It lasts until 8:00 PM CDT on Friday, October 16, 2026.
- What does a Red Flag Warning mean?
- The National Weather Service says critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly. Strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels let fires grow and spread rapidly.
- Will fire danger continue after tonight?
- A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening for the same general area. It means critical fire weather conditions are possible, and it could be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning.
Sources
- NWS Jackson MS: Red Flag Warning, Oct 16, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
How this page is made. The Herebeat Hazard Desk builds event pages from official U.S. government data (National Weather Service, USGS, FEMA). The text is written with AI from that data; every number and quote is checked against the official source automatically before publishing, and the page is updated when the agency updates the event. The official source is always the reference. Spotted a mistake? info@herebeat.app. About the Hazard Desk.