Petal's 17 square miles take in Harvey, where downtown and city hall sit, plus sub-communities such as Macedonia, Barrontown and Carterville that joined the city through a 2002 annexation. Forrest County has appeared in a dozen federal disaster declarations since 2001, ranging from hurricanes to tornadoes to river flooding.
We are not a restoration company. Fire & Water Energy operates as a referral service: dial (866) 937-3230 and we will look for an independent restoration contractor serving Petal, although we cannot guarantee one has openings. See our referral disclosure for the full picture.
Leaf River lowlands and a long storm record
The city lies along the Leaf River at roughly 157 feet of elevation, with a little open water scattered within its limits. Low ground near the river and its tributaries collects runoff quickly during heavy rain, and Forrest County was declared for a severe storm and flooding event in 2016.
On January 21, 2017, a tornado that began near Purvis crossed Hattiesburg and the William Carey University campus before restrengthening to EF3 in eastern Petal, where well-built frame homes were destroyed. The 31.3-mile track left four people dead and 57 injured. Hurricanes have reached the county too, including Ivan (2004), Dennis and Katrina (2005), Gustav (2008), Isaac (2012) and Ida (2021).
Common causes of water damage in Petal homes
Petal counted about 4,400 housing units in 2020, and whatever their age, the same weak spots come up again and again: worn supply lines, failing water heaters and leaks hidden inside walls or under slabs. Humid summers also mean nonstop air conditioning, and a clogged condensate line can quietly soak a ceiling.
When people look up water damage restoration in Petal, the job usually starts with water extraction, followed by drying that a contractor tracks with moisture meters. Replacing drywall, trim and flooring comes afterward under water damage repair.
Federal disaster declarations that included Forrest County
FEMA records show Forrest County was included in 12 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (6 hurricane, 3 severe storm, 1 winter storm, 1 tornado, 1 flood, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Petal was affected. The most recent:
- 2026 – Severe Winter Storm (DR-4899)
- 2021 – Hurricane Ida (DR-4626)
- 2019 – Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornado (DR-4415)
- 2017 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-4295)
- 2016 – Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-4268)
- 2013 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4101)
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 Petal?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Petal property.
Fire, soot and smoke odor cleanup
Petal has seen serious fire damage before: in 2007 a blaze damaged 20,000 square feet of the building that housed the International Checker Hall of Fame. Most home fires are smaller, but soot and smoke still travel through vents and stain rooms far from the source.
Restoration firms commonly board up openings, remove charred materials, clean soot with methods matched to each surface and then address odor. Our smoke damage cleanup page covers what that work typically involves.
After a tornado or flood in Forrest County
Tornado damage in 2017 showed how fast a roof breach turns into an interior water problem. Covering openings and removing fallen limbs safely are early priorities, and many owners need storm damage cleanup before any drying can begin.
River or flash flooding brings contaminated water. Contractors commonly cut out wet drywall above the waterline, discard soaked insulation and disinfect before drying. Read about flood cleanup to see what to expect.
Humidity and mold near the Leaf River
South Mississippi's warm, damp air means mold can take hold on wet materials within a couple of days. Running dehumidifiers and getting air moving helps, but materials that stayed wet for long often need to come out.
EPA guidance treats patches under about 10 square feet as a possible do-it-yourself job; anything larger, or growth tied to sewage or HVAC contamination, is worth handing to a professional. See mold removal for typical steps.
Staying safe before cleanup starts
- For injuries, gas odors or active fire, call 911 first.
- A bowed ceiling or water pooling by an outlet is a reason to keep that room closed off.
- Avoid downed power lines after a storm and report them to your electric provider.
- Take dated photos and video of every affected room and item.
- Listen to Forrest County officials for shelter and road information.
- Ask your agent which damage your policy covers; flood is often a separate policy.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Petal that callers often mention include:
- Harvey
- Macedonia
- Barrontown
- Carterville
- Sunrise
- Leeville
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Petal):
- Hattiesburg · 2 mi
- West Hattiesburg · 7 mi
- Ellisville · 18 mi
- Laurel · 25 mi
- Wiggins · 35 mi
- Columbia · 35 mi
Petal restoration FAQs
Was Petal hit by the January 2017 tornado?
Yes. The EF3 tornado of January 21, 2017 crossed Hattiesburg and then restrengthened in eastern Petal, destroying frame homes there. Forrest County received a federal disaster declaration for that outbreak.
Does Petal flood from the Leaf River?
The city sits along the Leaf River, and Forrest County has been included in flooding declarations, including one in 2016. Whether a given street floods depends on its elevation and drainage, so check FEMA flood maps for your address.
Can a contractor from Hattiesburg work on my Petal home?
Usually, since the two cities sit only a couple of miles apart. When you call (866) 937-3230 we try to find an independent contractor who covers Petal, but availability is never guaranteed.
What should I photograph for my insurance claim?
Shoot wide shots of each room, close-ups of damage, water lines on walls and serial numbers on ruined appliances. Keep receipts for any emergency purchases. Your insurer decides what is covered under your specific policy.
Restoration guides
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Water Extraction
- Water Damage Repair
- Flood Cleanup
- Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Mold Removal