Hurricane Francine Update – 12 PM – September 11, 2024
Gulfport declares a state of emergency, administrative closure, and curfew ahead of Hurricane Francine.
GULFPORT, Miss. (Sept. 11, 2024) — Mayor Billy Hewes has declared a state of emergency for the City of Gulfport due to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Francine.
Key Announcements:
Administrative Closure:
All city administrative functions will be suspended beginning at noon today, Sept. 11, 2024. Operations will resume at 6 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.
Curfew:
A citywide curfew will be in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, through 5:59 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. During this period, people’s movement will be restricted, and no one will be allowed on public streets or property except for emergency personnel.
These actions are being taken to ensure public safety as Hurricane Francine approaches, bringing high winds, potential flooding, and other hazardous conditions. Residents are urged to comply with the curfew and stay in a safe location.
Hurricane Francine is approaching the Louisiana coast, but the Mississippi Gulf Coast will still face significant impacts, including tropical storm conditions, heavy rain, coastal flooding, and the threat of tornadoes starting early Wednesday morning and continuing into Thursday.
Expected Impacts for Mississippi Gulf Coast:
– Heavy Rainfall: 4-8 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 12 inches, which may lead to flash flooding in urban and low-lying areas.
– Storm Surge: Coastal areas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast may experience a storm surge of 3-5 feet, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
– Tornado Risk: Tornadoes are possible across southern Mississippi starting Wednesday morning through Wednesday night as outer bands from the storm impact the region.
Shelters Opening in Harrison County at 9 AM on 09/11/24:
– County Farm Road Shelter – 15038 County Farm Rd, Gulfport
– Lyman Senior Center (Pet Accommodations) – 14592 County Farm Rd, Gulfport
– D’Iberville High School – 15625 Lamey Bridge Rd, Biloxi
– Lobouy Road Shelter – 9505 Lobouy Rd, Pass Christian
– Crated pets can be sheltered at the Lyman Senior Center
Local Announcements:
– Gulfport and Harrison County schools will be closed tomorrow (09/11/24).
– Waste Pro will collect trash one hour earlier tomorrow.
– Coast Transit Authority (CTA) will cease all services at 12:00 PM (noon) on Wednesday and will provide evacuation transportation from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Call 866-206-8843 ext. 0 to schedule transportation.
Key Reminders:
– Complete all preparations tonight (09/10/24).
– Prepare a Go-Kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents in waterproof containers.
– Charge devices and have backup power sources ready for possible power outages.
– Secure pets and make final preparations for their safety.
Watches and Warnings for the Mississippi Gulf Coast:
– Storm Surge Warning: From Cameron, Louisiana to the Mississippi/Alabama Border.
– Tropical Storm Warning: From east of Grand Isle, Louisiana to the Alabama/Florida border, including all of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Follow the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service New Orleans, and Harrison County Emergency Management for the latest updates.