Homeowners from Belhaven to South Jackson know how quickly weather can turn into a repair project. Hinds County has been part of 13 federal major disaster declarations since 2000, ranging from Hurricane Katrina to the severe winter storm declared in 2026.
As a referral service, Fire & Water Energy does not send workers; instead, call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to link you with an independent restoration contractor that serves Jackson. Whether someone can take the job depends on local providers. Visit how it works to see the steps.
The Pearl River, heavy rain and hard freezes
The Pearl River forms most of the city's eastern edge, with the Ross Barnett Reservoir upstream to the northeast. Jackson averages 57.35 inches of precipitation a year, and thunder is heard on roughly 70 days annually. In late August 2022 the river crested at 35.37 feet, well above the 28-foot flood stage, and flooding at the O. B. Curtis treatment plant left most residents without reliable running water.
Cold weather matters here too. A February 2021 winter storm shut down that same plant, and a late-December 2022 storm froze and burst pipes. Tornadoes are a long-standing threat: the F5 Candlestick Park tornado killed 19 people in South Jackson on March 3, 1966.
Burst pipes, water mains and other leak sources
Because the city has gone through repeated freezes and hundreds of boil-water notices, many people searching for water damage restoration in Jackson are dealing with pipes that split in a cold snap or pressure surges after service returns. When water comes back on after an outage, check under sinks, behind toilets and around the water heater for drips.
Other typical causes include roof leaks in thunderstorms, overflowing AC condensate lines in summer and aging supply lines in older homes. Contractors commonly offer burst pipe water damage repair and emergency water removal, followed by drying with dehumidifiers and air movers.
Federal disaster declarations that included Hinds County
FEMA records show Hinds County was included in 13 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (6 severe storm, 5 hurricane, 1 winter storm, 1 severe ice storm, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Jackson was affected. The most recent:
- 2026 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4899)
- 2024 – Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4790)
- 2021 – Hurricane Ida (DR-4626)
- 2021 – Severe Winter Storms (DR-4598)
- 2020 – Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides (DR-4538)
- 2012 – Hurricane Isaac (DR-4081)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Jackson?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Jackson property.
Cleaning up soot and smoke after a fire
Space heaters and improvised heat sources become more common when winter storms knock out power or water, which raises fire risk. After any house fire, the smoke residue spreads well beyond the burned room and the water used to extinguish it soaks into floors and walls.
A typical restoration contractor will board up openings, haul out debris, dry the structure and then clean surfaces and air ducts. Learn about fire damage cleanup and smoke odor removal. Only go back in once firefighters say it is safe.
Storm and flood cleanup in Hinds County
Recent federal declarations for Hinds County include severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding in 2024 (DR-4790), Hurricane Ida in 2021 (DR-4626) and severe storms, flooding and mudslides in 2020 (DR-4538). Winter storm declarations followed in 2021 and 2026.
River and creek water is considered contaminated, so flooded carpet, insulation and the lower parts of drywall are usually cut out and the space disinfected before rebuilding. Wind damage calls for tarping and tree removal first. Our pages on flood damage restoration and storm damage cleanup walk through the usual order of work.
Mold after leaks in Mississippi humidity
Central Mississippi summers are long and muggy, so materials that stay wet after a leak or flood can grow mold in a day or two. Crawl spaces and walls behind a hidden pipe leak are frequent sources.
Per EPA guidance, mold covering more than roughly 10 square feet calls for a professional, especially if sewage or floodwater was involved. A reputable company will usually contain the area, remove damaged materials and dry everything before rebuilding. See mold remediation.
What Jackson residents should do first
- Call 911 for fires, gas leaks, injuries or power lines down.
- If a boil-water notice is in effect, follow it for drinking and cooking, and do not use the water for cleaning wounds.
- Turn off your main water valve if a pipe bursts, and keep the location marked before winter.
- Photograph damage and keep receipts for emergency purchases.
- Ask your insurer or agent what your policy covers; flood is usually a separate policy.
Call (866) 937-3230 for a referral, or see our Mississippi service areas.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Jackson that callers often mention include:
- Belhaven
- Eastover
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Jackson):
Jackson restoration FAQs
How high can the Pearl River get in Jackson?
In August 2022 the river crested at 35.37 feet at Jackson, more than seven feet above flood stage, and stayed high for several days. Homes near the river and low-lying streets are most exposed, so watch river forecasts during prolonged rain.
What should I check when city water comes back after an outage or freeze?
Walk through the house and look for drips, wet drywall and pooling near fixtures, the water heater and exterior walls. Pipes that froze may only start leaking once pressure returns. Shut the main valve right away if you find a break.
Are tornadoes a real risk in Jackson?
Yes. The 1966 Candlestick Park tornado was rated F5, and Hinds County was included in a 2024 federal declaration for storms and tornadoes. Roof and window damage from wind can let rain in quickly, so tarping is usually the first priority.
Does Fire & Water Energy do the repairs itself?
No. We are a referral service that tries to connect you with independent contractors serving the Jackson area. Verify licensing and insurance and ask whether the crew holds IICRC certification before hiring.
Restoration guides
- Burst Pipe Water Damage
- Emergency Water Removal
- Flood Damage Restoration
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Mold Remediation
- Fire Damage Cleanup