Tropical Depression 9 is still somewhat disorganized and moving slowly west-northwest through the eastern Gulf of Mexico, acco
rding to Harrison County Emergency Manager Rupert Lacy.
The forecast track for the next couple of days, Lacy said this morning, is a continued slow track to the west and then slow turn to the north-northwest later today and finally toward the north-northeast Wednesday. Some strengthening to a Tropical Storm is expected today. The current forecast track would take the depression toward the Apalachee Bay area of Florida by Thursday.
The local impact? Biloxi and the surrounding area are under a Coastal Flood Watch through 7 a.m. Thursday. As the storm makes its nearest approach to our coastal waters, Lacy said, tides are expected to elevate to around 1 to 1.5 feet above normal through early Thursday before receding to more normal levels. However, tidal impacts will greatly depend on the future track and intensity of TD 9.
See the current forecast track
See the current weather conditions
See the TD 9 advisory from Monday afternoon
Visitors Center unveils 2016 Christmas ornament
The Biloxi Visitors Center has unveiled its 2016 Christmas ornament, which features the Biloxi Lighthouse and Visitors Center.
This year’s ornament, the third in a series, highlights Biloxi’s oldest landmark and one of the city’s most symbolic buildings representing Biloxi’s resolve after Hurricane Katrina. It went on sale in the Biloxi Visitors Center Monday, the 11th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
“We often talk about the history and resilience of our community so it seems appropriate to present the new Christmas ornament on the 11th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina,” Biloxi Historical Administrator Bill Raymond said. “It is a symbol of Biloxi and the rebuilding of a stronger and better Visitors Center.”
The 2016 ornament is available for $17 plus tax at the Biloxi Visitors Center Gift Shop, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ornaments are limited.
See the 2016 Christmas Ornament
News and notes
First Friday: The Biloxi Main Street monthly series “First Friday” will have an art-themed event in the downtown arts district on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. near Peresich Park, just south of Merit Health. Details: 228-435-6339.
U.S. 90 reminder: As many as two dozen workers from the city’s Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments are edging medians and removing sand at various points of U.S. 90 today. Motorists should use extra caution when approaching work zones. The work is expected to continue through the end of the week.
Meeting reminder: The City Council has a special meeting for this afternoon at 1:30 to continue discussions of the municipal budget. Among the scheduled topics: Public Works and Engineering departments, water and sewer operations, and the port division.
Biloxi Excel by 5 ribbon cutting: Biloxi Excel by 5, housed at the Lopez School on St. John Avenue, now has a complete wing at the school and is showing off the area to the public during a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. Details: 228-297-6808