Rankin County east of Jackson was in the path of the March 2023 tornado outbreak that devastated Rolling Fork and other Mississippi communities. The Pearl River forms the county's western boundary and creates flooding risk during major storms. The county's suburban growth east of Jackson continues to expand population exposure to severe weather events.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
- Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
- Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
- Prepare for sudden power outages.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 6 / 10 Moderate Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Tornado / Severe Storm |
| Secondary Hazard | Flash Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone X (Moderate Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 30 |
| Last Major Event | Tornado (March 2023) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 5–6 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (601) 825-1480 |
| Emergency Shelters | 16 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-20 East, I-20 West, US-80 East, MS-468 South |
// County Profile
| County | Rankin County MS |
| State | Mississippi (MS) |
| Population | 157,899 |
| Area | 775 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone X (Moderate Risk) |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Mississippi Counties
Harrison County MS
Hurricane / Storm Surge
9/10
Critical
Jackson County MS
Hurricane / Storm Surge
8/10
High
Bolivar County MS
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
7/10
Moderate
Yazoo County MS
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
7/10
Moderate
Quitman County MS
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
7/10
Moderate
Tunica County MS
Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
7/10
Moderate