Workers with Oscar Renda Contractors, the firm handling the east Biloxi infrastructure work, are turning their attention from installing curbs on neighborhood streets this afternoon to preparing for rainfall headed to the area.
The company has ordered more pumps to help with water that may pond from the rainfall expected to make its way to the city later this afternoon and into the evening.
Meantime, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for south central Pearl River County and western Harrison County and northeastern Hancock County until 4 p.m. At 3 p.m. a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located eight miles northwest of Kiln, or nine miles east of Picayune, moving east at 25 mph.
“We’re advising people to give themselves plenty of traffic time and to use alternate routes where possible,” said Walt A. Rode, who is overseeing the infrastructure work for the city. Rode noted that Back Bay Boulevard, which travels along Back Bay and links Caillavet Street and Oak Street, is paved and open to traffic.
Added Project Superintendent John Cowart of Oscar Renda: “We are aware of the incoming weather and have additional pumps enroute. We will be placing the additional pumps in the areas that are prone to flooding during heavy rain events. We also have additional road crews on standby.
“Please understand that during these heavy rain events, all we can do is put forth our best efforts. Please keep in mind, a major part of this project is improvements to the drainage system, which are incomplete at this time.”
See the current weather radar
See the hazardous weather advisory
News and notes
I-110 ramp closure: The I-110 ramp at Division Street will be closed to southbound traffic Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to allow infrastructure work at the base of the ramp. Motorists should use the Bayview or U.S. 90 exits. To see the status of road work advisories throughout the city, click here.
Biloxi City Council: Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich honored longtime community leader Bobby Eleuterius at the outset of today’s City Council meeting. To see photos from the meeting, click here. To see video of the mayor’s presentation and hear comments from Eleuterius, click here.
