Heavy rain floods some homes on Mississippi Gulf Coast

GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) – The mayor of Gulfport, Mississippi, has declared a state of emergency because of heavy rain and widespread flooding in the largest city on the state’s Gulf Coast.

Gulfport emergency managers say 5 to 12 inches of rain fell in the city during a thunderstorm Thursday. Mayor Billy Hewes says some storm drains were blocked and several roads were closed. City officials were assessing damage, and the number of flooded homes and businesses was not immediately available.

The area was under a flash flood warning most of Thursday, and police asked residents to stay home until water recedes.

The National Weather Service says hail was reported in several locations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including parts of Gulfport and Ocean Springs. Half-dollar sized hail was reported in the St. Martin community.