Mississippi Residents Urged to Remain Alert as Hurricane Isaias Approaches; Shelters Open in Multiple Southern Counties
PEARL, Miss. – Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the Florida Panhandle later this evening Friday, October 9, into early Saturday, October 10. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is reminding residents across the state to remain alert and take necessary precautions now.
“We are encouraging residents to make their final preparations today,” said MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “Gas up your vehicles, secure outdoor property, fully charge all electronic devices and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Make sure you have plenty of drinking water, nonperishable foods, medications, important documents and most importantly – have a plan for your family. Know where you’ll go and how you’ll get there should the need to evacuate arise.”
Forecasts indicate the Category 3 hurricane is expected to bring wind gusts, heavy rains and storm surge as it makes landfall along the Gulf Coast, affecting Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for the coast and much of eastern Mississippi. Parts of Jackson County are under a hurricane warning.
MEMA has distributed 4,000 sandbags to fulfill county requests. MEMA is actively coordinating with federal, state, local, volunteer and private-sector partners to ensure everyone is prepared and ready to support an effective response, if needed.
Shelters and Saferooms are open for anyone who needs to take refuge from the storm. Below is the current list of locations:
- George County – Shelter at 3161 Cooks Corner Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452
- Hancock County – Shelter at 30360 Hwy 603 Perkinston, MS 39573
- Harrison County – Shelter at 15035 County Farm Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503
- Jackson County – Shelter at 5500 Ballpark Rd, Vancleave, MS 39565
- Jackson County – Shelter at 18413 Hwy 613, Moss Point, MS 39562
- Pearl River County – Saferoom at 124 Rodeo St, Poplarville, MS 39470
- Pearl River County – Saferoom at 501 Laurel St, Picayune, MS 39466
The list of shelters and safe rooms will be updated as they are reported to MEMA at www.msema.org/shelters-and-safe-rooms.
“Though projections show Hurricane Isaias has shifted more toward our neighboring states, the threat of flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes extends well beyond our coastal communities,” continued McCraney. “We’ve seen firsthand how hurricanes can bring dangerous conditions far inland, and we want Mississippians across the entire state to be prepared. The timing and extent of impacts could still change, so continue to monitor the situation closely, even if you’re no longer in the storm’s direct path.”
The Mississippi Department of Transportation reports it will keep drawbridges operational on I-110, State Route 605 and State Route 609 as long as conditions allow. Officials say when and if high winds begin affecting the area, the bridges will be locked down and closed to marine traffic. They will not be raised again until after the storm passes.
The Mississippi State Department of Health reports that two locations – the George County Health Department and Jackson County Health Department – have closed in anticipation of Hurricane Isaias.
For more preparedness information and the latest updates, visit MSEMA.org or download the MEMA mobile app.
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