April is National County Government Month: Recent Storms Show Why Counties Matter
DeSoto County, MS – April is National County Government Month, and the recent severe weather that impacted the region serves as a strong reminder of why counties matter.
From Wednesday, April 2 through Sunday, April 6, DeSoto County faced multiple rounds of dangerous weather. Thankfully, tornadoes did not touch down in our county, but we remain deeply concerned for our neighbors who experienced damage. Our thoughts and prayers are with those communities.
While we were spared the worst, DeSoto County was under constant threat:
- 4 Tornado Watches
- 5 Tornado Warnings
- 1 Flood Advisory
- 1 Flood Warning
- 10 Flash Flood Warnings
- 20 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
Between noon on April 3 and 5 a.m. on April 6, the National Weather Service estimates 8 to 15 inches of rain fell in parts of the county, especially in the west and north.
DeSoto County’s Emergency Services, Road Department, Sheriff’s Office, and volunteer fire departments worked around the clock to keep people safe and roads passable.
“These teams left their families to protect ours,” said Board President Mark Gardner. “That’s the heart of public service — stepping up when your community needs you most.”
“I want to personally thank everyone who played a part in our storm response,” he added. “It was a coordinated effort between departments, cities, and volunteers — and it made a real difference.”
District 3, which includes a large portion of western DeSoto County, experienced many of the road closures and high water areas.
“I saw firsthand how hard our crews worked — not just in the unincorporated areas, but also in coordination with cities,” said District 3 Supervisor Ray Denison. “County road crews, emergency management, and city teams worked side by side to respond quickly to flooding and keep residents safe. I’m proud of that teamwork and the commitment to our communities.”
Throughout the weather emergency, DeSoto County Supervisors monitored conditions, assisted citizens, and supported first responders. District 4 spans from Eudora and Nesbit up to Horn Lake and Southaven. Many of those areas were also flooded.
“We were in constant communication across county departments and with our partners in the cities,” said District 4 Supervisor Lee Caldwell. “Everyone worked together — road crews, fire departments, emergency services — and I’m so thankful for their quick actions during a stressful situation.”
The tremendous amount of rain flooded many low-lying areas across the county. But there was encouraging news in one former trouble spot.
“One area I’ve been especially focused on over the years is Holly Springs Road,” said District 1 Supervisor Jessie Medlin. “That stretch would have been underwater during this storm if we hadn’t elevated and rebuilt it. It’s proof that long-term planning and infrastructure investment pays off.”
More than 13 inches of rain was recorded along the Coldwater River in Hernando.
“I kept a close eye on the Coldwater River throughout the storms,” said District 5 Supervisor Robert Foster. “Our team monitored water levels around the clock. We were ready to respond if the situation worsened, and I’m grateful we were able to avoid a serious flooding event along the river.”
DeSoto County Emergency Management Director Chris Olson reported two water rescues during the storms. In both cases, drivers went around barricades and became stuck in floodwaters.
“Turn around, don’t drown is more than a slogan,” Olson said. “Ignoring road closures puts lives at risk — including our first responders.”
This National County Government Month, DeSoto County recognizes the dedication of its employees, elected officials, and volunteers who serve our residents every day — especially in times of crisis.
