Forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center say this hurricane season will be an average one, but that can still mean major disruption in areas of the state vulnerable to tropical storms, including coastal areas like Harrison and Jackson Counties.
In 2020, Hurricane Zeta, which was a category 3 hurricane when it made landfall, caused more than $22 million in damages to Harrison County.
Matt Stratton, the emergency management director for Harrison County, says just one bad storm can alter a whole area
"Even in an active, near-normal season, it really only takes one storm to significantly impact our communities," Stratton said.
In areas prone to flooding, like neighboring Hancock County, helping residents prepare includes steps like making sandbags available that can redirect storm surge flows, and making sure shelters are available if an evacuation is needed and a resident doesn't have anywhere else to go.
Brian Adam, the emergency management director for Hancock County, says that hurricane prep plans are constantly evolving.
“Our preparations... a lot of people think we just do it in storm season," Adam said. "We don't. We're preparing for hurricane season all year round because your plans have to be updated regularly and you have to stay in tune of what the citizens need and what the counties need and [what the cities need]."
Recently, first responders from around the state gathered in Biloxi to discuss hurricane preparedness and coordination between emergency management agencies.
Models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict 12 to 17 named storms this season, five to nine of which could be hurricanes.
