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The storm approaching the gulf coast is expected to make landfall as a minor hurricane just west of Mississippi but turn into the state's southwestern counties. Experts say Sally is projected to arrive around 8:00 in the morning tomorrow, and high tides with heavy rainfall will likely lead to rapid flooding. Greg Michel, Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, says the storm is moving slowly, and southern counties could expect upwards of 15 to 20 inches of rain over the next day or so. "So there's high risk of flash flooding, there's a lot of rain working against a storm surge," says Michel. "So if you live along the coastal counties in these areas, and even as far to the east as Jackson County can expect storm surge and rain as well, but the concentration of that rain is pretty much going to be there in the Hancock County and Pearl River County."
Evacuation orders are being issued by local emergency management agencies, but state officials are encouraging residents to be prepared. Governor Tate Reeves says if evacuation orders are issued, shelters will also be available. But, he warns that crowded shelters may not be able to maintain the social distancing required to reduce coronavirus transmission. "If sheltering becomes necessary, and it very likely will, we will have shelters open, we will have them available, but it is going to be more challenging and we are encouraging those who can go to a cousin's house or a loved one's house, it would be very helpful both for you and for us in this COVID-19 world," says Reeves."
Local emergency management agencies are handing out sandbags, and MEMA is providing an additional 100,000 bags to help residents protect their property.
A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Hancock county, effective at 7:00 this morning.
