Crosby — Areas of Wilkinson County received between 6 to 8 inches of rain Thursday night and Friday morning, which displaced many residents from their homes and apartments.

Preliminary reports received by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency showed more than 40 homes, 16 apartments and one police car damaged by flooding in Wilkinson County because of the heavy rainfall.

Wilkinson County Emergency Management Agency Director Thomas C. Tolliver Jr. said Friday afternoon his office had confirmed 26 homes in Crosby had been affected by the flooding.

Reports at an apartment complex where 16 to 18 units had been damaged showed nearly 8 inches of water inside the living areas of the apartments, Tolliver said.

“There have been no casualties or injuries, so we do thank God for that, because it could have been a lot worse,” Tolliver said. “We did have some people uprooted from their homes, and we had to make some emergency rescues (Friday) morning where people were found on top of their homes.”

Tolliver said five families had to be rescued as a result of the flooding in the Silver Creek area.

“We have public agencies by way of American Red Cross and others in the county helping out,” he said. “In the county overall, we’re looking at probably an average of 5.6 to 5.7 inches of rainfall.”

As a native of Percy Creek in Wilkinson County, Tolliver said the rainfall amounts were up there with others he’s seen for the area.

“I’ve probably seen some levels similar to that in the area, but it’s been quite a while,” Tolliver said. “But in some areas, it’s history for people who have never seen rains like this before.”

MEMA also reported one business and one publicly owned structure damaged by rainfall in Amite County.

The National Weather Service was forecasting the possibility of further dangerous storms Friday night.

The NWS said a strong system would move into the state bringing damaging winds, hail up to golf ball size and the possibility of a tornado couldn’t be ruled out.

“Now is the time to ensure that you and your family are prepared for the severe weather headed toward our state,” MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham said. “I urge everyone to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially during the overnight hours.”