Columbus hurricane guide¶
Columbus is the county seat of Lowndes County, on the Tombigbee River in east Mississippi, far from the coast. Tornadoes, high wind, and flooding from the remains of tropical storms are the main risks. The city has its own police and fire departments, and Columbus Light & Water provides electric, water, and sewer service.
Checked on October 2, 2026
Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from the City of Columbus. In a life threatening emergency, call 911.
Official website: thecityofcolumbusms.org
What to know in Columbus¶
- Public Works picks up limbs and yard waste by ward each week. Cut limbs to 4 feet or shorter, bag grass and leaves, and place everything within 3 to 4 feet of the edge of the road, not in the street, gutter, sidewalk, or over a drainage box. Weather can change the schedule.
Emergency and information numbers¶
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Hall | 662-244-3500 | Office line. Not for emergencies. |
| Police non-emergency | 662-244-3552 | Columbus Police Department. For emergencies, call 911. |
| Fire rescue non-emergency | 662-329-5121 | Columbus Fire and Rescue office. For emergencies, call 911. |
Official alerts and information¶
- City of Columbus Notify Me: Create a free city website account and choose the city notices you want. Sign up before a storm. Website.
County services that cover Columbus¶
Lowndes County manages evacuation zones, evacuation centers, and emergency alerts for everyone who lives in Columbus. The Lowndes County guide has the full list of county numbers, radio stations, and recovery help.
- Columbus Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency: The county's emergency management page, with the tornado shelter list. Website.
Power, water and debris¶
- Columbus Light & Water (electric, water, and sewer): Outages and emergencies line. Report an outage online or by phone. Assume every downed line is live and stay far away. Office: 662-328-7192, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Phone: 662-243-7440. Website.
- Columbus Public Works: Storm debris and limb pickup, storm drains, and trees on city rights-of-way. Phone: 662-328-4481. Website.
Related guides¶
- Should I evacuate?
- What to expect at a hurricane shelter
- Hurricane supply list
- After a hurricane: the first 24 hours
- Insurance claims and disaster aid
Sources¶
Checked on October 2, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.