Extreme Storm Surge Warning Issued for Southern Jackson

An Extreme Storm Surge Warning has been issued for Southern Jackson, including Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, St. Martin, Gautier, and Moss Point, by the National Weather Service (NWS) New Orleans. This warning is in effect as of October 8 at 4:13 PM CDT and carries an Immediate urgency, expiring at 12:15 AM UTC on October 9.

Residents in these areas face a life-threatening storm surge with potential inundation of 4-7 feet above ground, and potentially greater than 6 feet in surge-prone areas. The NWS advises that evacuation efforts should be completed soon before driving conditions become unsafe. If evacuation orders are given for your area, leave immediately to avoid being cut off from emergency services.

Wind speeds are forecast between 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, with a potential for winds reaching 58 to 73 mph. This could lead to significant damage to roofing, siding, and mobile homes, as well as several large trees snapped or uprooted. Scattered power and communications outages are possible. All remaining efforts to protect life and property should be completed as soon as possible, and residents should move to safe shelter before hazardous winds begin.

Moderate flooding from approximately 1 inch of rain is also anticipated. Emergency plans should account for potential evacuations and rescues. Heed any flood watches and warnings.

For more information and ongoing updates, please visit msema.org.