With a tropical storm warning now posted along the Gulf Coast, Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway is giving residents the same advice he’s giving city department directors today: Fuel up your vehicles, review your storm plan, and continue to monitor weather reports.
The National Hurricane Center this morning issued a tropical storm warning for parts of the Gulf Coast – from Apalachicola, Fla., west to the mouth of the Mississippi River – as a subtropical depression formed in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. At 10 a.m., the depression, known as Sub-tropical Depression 10, was about 45 miles southwest of Apalachicola, with maximum sustained winds of about 35 mph. It was moving northwest at 8 mph, with a track that was parallel to the coastline.
A coastal flood watch is also in effect for the southeast Louisiana and Mississippi coasts through Saturday evening. Tides are expected to increase from 1 to 2 feet above normal today and between 2 and 3 feet later tonight. On Saturday, periods of heavy rain and strong-than-gale-force winds are possible.
“Those who live in FEMA campers or trailers and in low-lying areas should have a plan on where they’re going to go should weather becoming threatening,” Holloway said. “We don’t want to alarm anyone, but we’re asking them to be prudent, to be prepared, have a plan and be ready to work the plan.”
Rainfall expected to cause street flooding
Public Works Director Richard Sullivan said workers will be on standby this evening and Saturday to respond to any street flooding.
“I expect that we’ll see heavy rainfall, which will cause street flooding in low-lying areas, such as Point Cadet; along U.S. 90, particularly at Miramar Avenue in west Biloxi; and in low-lying areas of north Biloxi,” said Sullivan, noting that Public Works vehicles and equipment have been fueled.
Said Sullivan:“We’ll have bypass pumps on standby and will help drain water where necessary, before it gets into any homes.”
More weather info online
You can find the latest weather advisories, real-time radar from points all along the Gulf Coast, and tips on how to prepare a storm plan in the Storm & Flood Preparedness area of the city web site. To go there, click here.
