Residents of FEMA trailers, mobile homes or other similar structures should leave the immediate areas of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and seek shelter in a sturdy structure, emergency management officials announced today, and residents in low-lying areas should be prepared to move to higher ground, if weather threatens.
Latest forecast: Higher tides, 2-4 inches of rain
Biloxi Emergency Operations Manager Linda Atterberry says the latest forecast for Biloxi and Harrison County includes tides that could be as high as 5½ feet above normal on Saturday, and as much as 2 to 4 inches of rain in the next 24 hours.
“High tide is tomorrow at 6 a.m.,” Atterberry said, “and it’s expected to be from 2 to 2½ feet above normal, plus a storm surge of 2 to 3 feet. However, the first winds will be from the northeast, which will push the water out. On the back end of the storm, the water will be pushed in toward the shore, but we should be past high tide by then.”
Shelters of last resort open at 5 this afternoon
With Biloxi and Harrison County under a tropical storm warning, which means tropical storm conditions are expected in the next 24 hours, several shelters – deemed shelters of last resort – will open at 5 p.m. today, according to Harrison County and Biloxi emergency management leaders..
The shelters are:
—North Bay Elementary, Biloxi, 1825 Popps Ferry Road
—Lizana Elementary School, 15341 Lizana School Road
—Central Elementary School, Gulfport, 1043 Pass Road
—Harrison Central High School, 15600 School Road
—Harrison Central Elementary, 15451 Dedeaux Road
—D’Iberville High School, 3320 Warrior Drive
—Saucier Elementary School, 24052 First Street
—Good Deeds Community Center, 15101 Madison Street
What you should bring to a shelter
Residents should be prepared to provide for themselves and their family for a period of at least three days.
A family shelter supply kit should include:
—Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. No cooking will be permitted at shelters.
—One gallon of water per person per day for three days.
—Cooler filled with ice
—Canned juices, milk and soup.
—First Aid kit that includes your family’s medications.
—Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
—Sanitation supplies.
—Special needs items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
—Clothing and bedding (cot or sleeping bag).
—Extra set of car keys, credit cards or travelers checks.
—Keep important family papers in a water- and fire-proof container.
Transportation available for residents in need
The Harrison County Emergency Management Agency and Coast Transit Authority are working to provide emergency transportation assistance for residents in need. Transporation will be available through 9 this evening.
Those residents needing transportation should call 896-8080. Patients with special medical needs should call 865-4111 or 865-1251.
Cancellations, postponements
—The high school football game scheduled for tonight between Biloxi and Escambia County (Fla.) has been canceled, according to Biloxi Public Schools Athletic Director Spud Wieniewitz, who said there are no plans to re-schedule.
—The city’s NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition scheduled for Saturday has been postponed until Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Biloxi Sports Complex.
