A City Named for an Old Bend in the Mississippi
Horn Lake takes its name from a horn-shaped oxbow lake about three miles west of town. That lake is a former bed of the Mississippi River, left behind when the river shifted course in the late 1700s. It is a reminder that the land in western DeSoto County has always been shaped by water.
The city itself sits just south of Memphis, with Southaven along its eastern and southeastern edge. It covers about 16 square miles, of which roughly 0.3 square miles is water, and has 26,736 residents as of the 2020 census.
Horn Lake grew quickly after it finally incorporated in 1973. Earlier attempts in 1850 and 1871 had failed, even though a post office opened in 1853 and the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad arrived in 1856. Most of today's houses, apartments and shopping centers came later, during the city's rapid suburban growth.
Rain, Runoff and the City's Stormwater Program
The City of Horn Lake puts it plainly on its Planning and Development page: storm water drainage is critical in Mississippi because of the state's normally copious rain. The city lists flooding among the issues it is working on and runs a stormwater program under state and federal Phase II rules.
Homeowners play a part, too. The city asks residents to keep grass clippings and trash out of streets and gutters, since clogged inlets back water up into yards, driveways and garages during a hard rain.
- Report drainage or stormwater concerns to the city's stormwater hotline at (662) 536-7387.
- Use the Horn Lake Resident Request System for other city service issues.
- Keep your own gutters, downspouts and yard drains clear so water moves away from the foundation.
If runoff does get inside, treat it as contaminated water. Professional flood cleanup in Horn Lake includes removing soaked materials and disinfecting before drying begins.
Storm Season on the Memphis Border
North Mississippi's leading weather risks are heavy thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes. On February 5, 2008, during the Super Tuesday outbreak, a multiple-vortex EF2 tornado struck neighboring Southaven before crossing into southeastern Memphis, a close call for the whole area.
Wind-driven rain is the quieter problem. A few missing shingles, a damaged vent boot or a broken window can let water into an attic or wall for hours before anyone notices. For storm damage cleanup, the restoration company usually secures the opening first, then removes wet insulation and drywall and starts drying.
Steps That Protect Your Home Right Away
- Turn off the water. If the source is a pipe or appliance, close its valve or the main shutoff.
- Put safety first. Do not step into water near outlets or appliances. Leave the power off in wet rooms if you can reach the breaker safely.
- Know the category. Clean tap water is Category 1. Water from the street, yard or a sewer line is Category 3 and needs protective gear.
- Photograph everything. Capture the source, the waterline on walls and damaged contents.
- Lift and move belongings. Get rugs, boxes and electronics out of the water.
- Bring in a professional. Call (888) 817-5061 and we will connect you with a local restoration professional who can start emergency water extraction.
How the Drying and Repair Work Goes
A typical Horn Lake water damage restoration project moves through a handful of stages.
Finding the moisture
Meters and thermal cameras show how far water has moved under flooring and into walls, which is often farther than the visible stain.
Getting the water out
Extractors remove standing water from carpet and hard floors. Soaked pad, baseboards and the bottom of drywall are often removed.
Drying it properly
Dehumidifiers and air movers run while the crew tracks readings until framing and subfloors reach dry targets. Read about structural drying.
Putting it back together
Finally, water damage repair replaces drywall, flooring, trim and cabinets. Verify the contractor's license with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors' online search before signing.
Mold Prevention and What Mississippi Requires
Per EPA guidance, mold may begin growing on wet materials within 24 to 48 hours. A wet garage wall, a damp closet after a roof leak or carpet pad that never fully dried can all lead to a musty smell and visible growth.
Mississippi does not have a state license specifically for mold remediation, according to an industry roundup of state requirements, and none appears on the State Board of Contractors' homepage. When you hire for mold removal or mold cleanup in Horn Lake, ask what certifications the company holds, such as IICRC training, how it contains the work area, and what written documentation it provides afterward. Learn more on our mold removal page.
Rentals, Shops and Insurance Paperwork
Horn Lake has a mix of owner-occupied homes, rentals and businesses along its commercial roads. In a rental, the tenant should notify the landlord or property manager right away, and both should photograph the damage. Renters insurance usually covers the tenant's belongings, while the owner's policy addresses the building.
- Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood, including runoff that flows in from outside. NFIP or private flood coverage fills that gap, and NFIP policies typically begin after 30 days.
- Keep every receipt, photo and drying log in one folder.
- Businesses should document lost inventory and damaged equipment before disposal.
WaterQ does not decide claims, but a well-organized file helps. Call (888) 817-5061 to be connected with a local provider. Nearby residents can see our Southaven and Hernando pages.
Horn Lake Areas and Nearby DeSoto County Communities
Our free referral line connects callers throughout Horn Lake and the surrounding DeSoto County and Memphis-area communities with independent local restoration providers.
Neighborhoods
- Goodman Road corridor
- U.S. Route 51 corridor
Nearby communities
- Southaven
- Hernando
- Olive Branch
- Walls
- Lake Cormorant
- Whitehaven
- Memphis, TN
Horn Lake Water Damage FAQ
Who do I contact about street flooding or a clogged storm drain in Horn Lake?
The City of Horn Lake lists a stormwater hotline at (662) 536-7387, and residents can also submit service requests through the city's Resident Request System at hornlake.org/311.
Where does the name Horn Lake come from?
The city is named for a horn-shaped oxbow lake about three miles west of town. It is a former bed of the Mississippi River that formed when the river changed course in the late 18th century.
Rainwater came into my rental in Horn Lake. Who pays for the cleanup?
Notify your landlord or property manager right away and photograph the damage. The owner's policy usually covers the building, while renters insurance generally covers your belongings. Flood from outside is typically excluded unless there is a flood policy.
Do I need a state-licensed mold contractor in Mississippi?
An industry roundup of state requirements reports that Mississippi has no state license specifically for mold remediation, and the State Board of Contractors does not list one. Ask companies about their certifications and written documentation.
Does WaterQ come out to my Horn Lake property?
No. WaterQ is a free referral service that connects you with an independent, local restoration company. That company inspects the property and does the work. You can call any time, day or night.
Local emergency and flood resources
Official sources for alerts, flood maps and preparedness in and around Horn Lake: