The Biloxi City Council will hold a special meeting at 11:30 this morning to declare that a state of emergency exists in Biloxi as the city continues to prepare for tonight’s expected landfall of Gordon, now a tropical storm with sustained winds of 65 mph and 230 miles east-southeast of the Mississippi River.
Biloxi, which on Monday ordered an evacuation of boats from the city’s harbors and marinas, is expecting tides of two to three feet above normal, a six-foot storm surge and tropical-force winds and stronger gusts beginning late in the afternoon and into this evening.
The council’s state of the emergency declaration, which is part of the city’s storm plan, grants the mayor broad authority in making emergency purchases and using city personnel and equipment as needed and where needed to minimize the threat to the health and safety of city residents.
“We are asking people to continue to prepare,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said. “If you live in a low-lying area and and feel vularable, make plans to stay with friends and family. Make sure your vehicles are fueled, and make sure to take care of pets and other property. It’s no time for alarm, but continue monitoring weather reports and heed the advice.”
See the City Council agenda
See the latest Gordon forecast
See the local forecast
See real-time radar
Here’s the latest on what to expect
Here are the key takeaways for Biloxi from a 10 a.m. briefing on the storm:
The onset of tropical storm force winds could begin as early as mid-afternoon today, but the most likely time of onset is during the early evening hours, progressing inland through the late evening and overnight.
Winds could be 70 to 80 mph across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Expect a storm surge of three to five feet. Rainfall totals of four to eight inches expected.
News and notes: Court, sirens, B-Alert
No court: Municipal court sessions scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday have been cancelled. Those scheduled to appear will be notified of new court dates.
Hurricane siren: The city’s hurricane sirens will sound this morning at 11. The public is reminded to think about a plan of action and prepare for torrential rain and winds.
Live feed: The Biloxi Lighthouse camera offers live views of U.S. 90 at Porter Avenue and the sand beach, barring any technical issues. Access the feed by clicking on the lighthouse at the top left of any page on the city website. Or to go there now, click here.
B-Alert: For timely emergency updates on your cell phone, text BILOXI to 888777.
