Hurricane Ida expected to become Cat 3 by landfall Sunday

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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:

Jackson County plans to open two emergency shelters on Saturday, August 28th at 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:
  • 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:

• Prescriptions and any other emergency medications
• Extra clothing, pillows, hygiene supplies, comfort items, child’s stuffed animal
• Your emergency kit and Important personal documents
• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
• Chargers for any electronic devices, Books/games
If it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for your pet either. However, to maintain a safe and healthy environment in our shelters, pets are not allowed. Please contact the Jackson County Animal Shelter (228) 497-6350 for information about sheltering pets. Their address is 4400 Audubon Drive, Gautier, MS 39553.

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

Public Works will be placing sand, bags, and shovels at the following locations:
  • 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.

Pascagoula
Sandbags will be available by noon today at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, 2902 Shortcut Road. Self-service, bring your own shovel, bags will be provided.
Moss Point
Sand and sandbags have been delivered behind the Central Fire Station, 4204 Bellview Street.

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