Storm Surge Warning Issued for Southern Harrison County

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued for Southern Harrison County, including Gulfport, Biloxi, Pass Christian, and Long Beach, effective immediately. The National Weather Service in New Orleans issued this warning today, October 9, at 10:02 AM CDT, and it remains in effect until 6:15 PM CDT.

Residents in affected areas should shelter against life-threatening storm surge of greater than 3 feet above ground. Flood preparations and any ordered evacuations should be complete. Evacuees must be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. Remain sheltered in a safe location and do not venture outside. Peak storm surge inundation of 3-5 feet above ground is possible through Saturday morning.

Winds are forecast to be below tropical storm force, with peak winds of 25-35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. Preparations to protect property should be underway, and efforts should be completed now before hazardous winds begin. Scattered power and communications outages are possible. Localized flooding from heavy rain is also possible, which may prompt a few evacuations. Heed any flood watches and warnings. Tornadoes are not expected.

For more information, visit msema.org.