Jackson, Miss. - Throughout the night on Friday and into the morning Saturday strong winds and torrential rains soaked portions of South Mississippi and South Alabama. With streams and rivers already swollen from three previous days of strong storms, flash floods and high water have begun to force evacuations to homes and businesses in low-lying areas.

The Salvation Army in Dothan, Ala. has responded to provide snacks and drinks at a temporary shelter at the First United Methodist Church in Dothan housing residents of several neighborhoods inundated with rising water.

On the Mississippi Coast, where high waters have forced evacuations in parts of six counties, The Salvation Army is providing feeding support at shelters in Harrison, Stone and Jackson Counties. Feeding support is also being provided to the Emergency Operations Center for Harrison County.

“We are continually in contact with local and county Emergency Operations Centers offering The Salvation Army’s continued presence and support to communities affected by last nights heavy rains, stated Major William Cundiff of The Salvation Army’s South Mississippi Metro Area Command.

When a tree fell through the roof of 71 year old Carthage, Miss. resident James Gray’s home, his neighbors contacted The Salvation Army for help. Responding immediately, The Salvation Army began coordinating community efforts to remove the tree and repair the roof of the home left uninhabited by the felled tree. In addition, The Salvation Army is providing temporary shelter for James Gray at a local motel.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts may do so by calling 1-866-GIV-ARMY, or click here.