Data from an Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that Ida has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with sustained maximum winds of 75 mph. This system is still expected to be at least a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by landfall on Sunday.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the risk is increasing for hurricane-force winds, flooding rainfall and life-threatening storm surge Sunday and Monday along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
- A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Sabine Pass to Alabama/Florida state line including Vermilion Bay, Lake Borgne, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Mobile Bay.
- A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Cameron, Louisiana to the Mississippi/Alabama state line including Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Metropolitan New Orleans.
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Mississippi/Alabama state line to the Alabama/Florida state line.
Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley says, “Mississippi utilities are activating storm preparation plans, utilizing extra personnel and equipment in anticipation of Ida. Electric co-ops, Entergy and Mississippi Power have teams working ahead of the storm on all fronts.”
Many cities and counties along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast are making storm preparations now. Here is what you need to know:
- East Jackson County, 18413 Highway 613, Hurley, MS 39555
- West Jackson County, 13000 Walker Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
For those in need of transportation to and from the emergency shelters please call 228-875-4063. All transportation arrangements MUST be made before Saturday, August 28th at 3:00pm.
ITEMS TO PACK FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER:
Where to find Sand bags
Biloxi
Self-serve sand bags (bring your own shovel) are available at the these locations:
- Beck Park, 671 Division St.
- Migues Park, 425 Parker St.
- Cavalier Park, 2059 Lawrence St.
- A.J. Holloway Sports Complex, 765 Wells Drive
- Fire Station 8, 8479 Woolmarket Road
- Fire Station 9, 9370 Oaklawn Road.
Ocean Springs
Sand and sand bags are NOW AVAILABLE at Public Works located at 712 Pine Drive and behind the Ocean Springs Civic Center located at 3037 Bienville Blvd. All sand and sandbags are self-service 24/7 until the supply is exhausted. It is recommended to bring your own shovel. For questions, please call Public Works at 228-875-3955.
Gulfport
- Orange Grove Community Center on Dedeaux Road
- Fire Station on 42nd Avenue
- Intersection of Hewes Ave. and Glover St.
Staff will be available at these sites today (August 27) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will continue through the weekend as needed and as conditions allow. Residents will need to fill the bags. City staff will help those who need assistance. Public Works will have an on-call crew monitor the sand and bags after the designated times to determine if they need to bring out any additional materials.
The post Hurricane Ida expected to become Cat 3 by landfall Sunday appeared first on SuperTalk Mississippi.
