Boaters streamed up the Bay of Biloxi today, under sunny and clear skies, and ahead of the expected 100-mph winds and 7 to 11 foot storm surge with the approaching Sally, now a tropical storm less than 300 miles east-southeast of Biloxi and moving west-northwest at 13 mph.
The storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane. Biloxi Emergency Manager Nick Geiser says winds will pick up late Monday night or Tuesday morning, closer to landfall, which is expected to be near the Mississippi-Louisiana border. Rains will begin Monday, most likely in the afternoon.
Said Geiser: “Biloxi will be in the Northeast quadrant, which is known as the ‘bad’ side of the storm. Please Prepare Now.”
Biloxi is now under hurricane and storm surge warnings, meaning hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph), the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds to allow for important preparation.
“We’re asking the people of Biloxi to be vigilant in preparing,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said today. “Make your preparations. Don’t take anything for granted. Use common sense.”
Added Geiser: “The storm surge of 7 to 11 feet will possibly coincide with high tide. Also, this is a slow-moving system and heavy rainfall is predicted for our area over a three-day period, Monday through Wednesday.
“The storm surge coupled with heavy rainfall means areas prone to flooding should prepare immediately. Winds are predicted to be around 100 mph. Loose outdoor items should be secured, dead tree limbs should be trimmed back, and windows should be covered.
“Remember to prepare a Hurricane Kit in the event that an evacuation is needed,” Geiser added. “Also, remember generator safety if power is lost. Do not run generators indoors and do not tie into your house’s electrical system.
“The City of Biloxi has several self-serve sandbag locations throughout the city. Harrison County will make any appropriate announcements about shelter locations throughout the county.”
Added Geiser: “As we know, things can and will change before landfall. Prepare for the worst.”
See the latest on Sally
How to prepare for a storm
City sandbag locations
See realtime radar
Sally News & notes: Meeting, employees, etc.
Meeting: Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard expects a special City Council meeting to be held Monday morning to declare a state of emergency in Biloxi.
Employees: City of Biloxi employees should report to work at regular times on Monday. Priority of effort Monday, says CAO Leonard, is to secure loose equipment and material, clean storm drains and ditches, and move vehicles/equipment to safe areas.
Info line: The city’s Info Line – 228-435-6300 – is being updated as needed with storm advisories, city employee updates and more.
B-Alert: Traffic and road closure information will primarly be transmitted through the city’s messaging system. Text BILOXI to 888777. When prompted, do not provide your email address unless you want to receive email notifications instead of texts.
