City departments were taking prudent steps this afternoon – testing generators and other emergency equipment – but Mayor A.J. Holloway advises residents that there’s no need to be alarmed as Tropical Storm Arlene prepares to enter the Gulf of Mexico.
“It’s business as usual here in Biloxi and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Holloway said. “The best advice at this point is to keep an eye on weather reports through the local media and review your individual storm plan. There’s no need for anyone to be alarmed at this point.”
This afternoon, Arlene, the first tropical storm of the season, was expected to be in the southern Gulf of Mexico by early Friday, and could make landfall along the central Gulf coast Saturday. According to a 4 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Arlene was located at 20.2 N, 84.2 W, south-southeast of the western tip of Cuba. The storm was moving north at 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph, with higher gusts mainly to the north and east of center. The hurricane center said modest strengthening was possible during the next 24 hours.
Mayor Holloway, meantime, said Public Works employees have spent part of the day clearing any debris that may have gathered in storm drains throughout the city, but, otherwise, business was being conducted as usual.
“We’re continuing to monitor the conditions,” the mayor said. “We don’t see any reason for serious concern at this point, particularly for Biloxi or the surrounding area. But that doesn’t mean people should let their guard down. Be prudent and have a plan.”
Storm and flood info at your fingertips
You can read a wealth of information online about how to best prepare for storms and floods, links to real-time radar, tracking charts and even activities for children. It’s all in the Storm & Flood Preparedness section of the city web site. You’ll find a link on the left side of the web site’s front page, or you can go there now by clicking here.
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