Storm Surge Warning for Southern Hancock: Evacuate if Ordered

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for Southern Hancock, including Kiln, Pearlington, Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead, and Waveland, effective immediately. The National Weather Service in New Orleans, LA, advises residents to prepare for life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 3 feet above ground.

The potential for 3-5 feet of peak storm surge inundation above ground is forecast from Friday morning until Saturday morning. Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should be completed now before conditions become unsafe. If evacuation orders are given for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services.

Winds of 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph are expected, with a potential for hazardous winds up to 57 mph. Efforts to protect property should be underway, and preparations for limited wind damage should be completed now. This includes securing outdoor objects that could be blown about, such as sheds and unanchored mobile homes.

Potential impacts include damage to porches, awnings, and carports, broken tree limbs, and some snapped or uprooted trees. Scattered power and communications outages are possible, and some roads may become impassable from debris.

For more information and updates, visit msema.org. This alert was issued by NWS New Orleans LA on October 8 at 4:03 AM CDT and expires on October 8 at 12:15 PM UTC.