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Mississippi coastal counties making further preparation for Hurricane Isaias

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A graphic of the latest forecast prediction for Hurricane Isaias.
(Via the National Hurricane Center) 

With Hurricane Isaias expected to make landfall in Mississippi on Friday afternoon, state and local leaders are meeting to discuss preparation, potential disaster relief and resources available for residents.  

Kristen Kaylor

Mississippi coastal counties making further preparation for Hurricane Isaias 

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Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and George Counties have all declared states of emergency in response to the storm. All four counties will have storm shelters open on Friday, Oct. 9 for residents, and sandbags are available for citizens in flood risk areas. The cities of Gautier, Gulfport, Moss Point, Ocean Springs and Pass Christian have made the same announcement. 

Harrison County’s shelter on County Farm Road will open at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9,  and the Lyman Center will be open for pets. Transportation to the shelter will be available through the Coast Transit Authority by calling 1-866-206-8843. 

Hancock County’sNecaise shelter in Perkinston will open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday. Hancock County Emergency Management Agency says the American Red Cross will provide supplies for those in the shelter. 

Jackson County will have two shelters open starting at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, one in Vancleave and the East Jackson County shelter in Hurley.  

George County will have the Agricola Storm Shelter open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday and is also partnering with The Red Cross.

Filer image
Tommy Whitlock, left, places a filled sandbag onto his trailer at a Harrison County Road Department sandbag location, as his friend Joseph Buckner adjusts the load while preparing for Subtropical Storm Alberto to make its way through the Gulf of Mexico in Gulfport, Miss., Saturday, May 26, 2018
(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Scott Simmons with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MSEMA) said they have been meeting with local authorities to ensure communities have what they need in case of an emergency. 

“We have been working hard with our local emergency responders there on that lower six counties, coordinating with them, making sure they have the supplies they need,” Simmons said. “Do they need tarps? Do they need shelter or supplies?” 

Simmons also said that MSEMA has been in contact with the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He urges Mississippians inside storm warning areas to have a plan, prepare for evacuation if necessary, and to stay up to date on all forecasts and information. 

“We're working with to remind people, don't assume that you're in the safe zone. Prepare and think about what you would do if something did happen to your home or where you are,” Simmons said. “Be smart. Have a plan. Check on your elderly. Check on others to make sure that they're okay and they're covered.” 

Meteorologist Michael Hill with the National Weather Service in Jackson says residents outside of affected areas should still stay wary of conditions. 

“So the whole state can still see those gusty winds. Even as far north as Jackson and into central Mississippi, we can still have winds of 20 to 30, maybe even 40 miles per hour with Hurricane Isaias,” Hill said.  

Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date on weather forecasts and follow instructions from local law enforcement agencies.