by Hunter Dawkins, Publisher/Owner – thegazebogazette@gmail.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
On Monday, September 9, 2024, the Harrison County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation of emergency to the state of Mississippi due to the upcoming Tropical Cyclone 6 out in western Gulf of Mexico at the county courthouse in Biloxi. Tropical Cyclone 6 currently has 50 mph winds and once it increases in circulation, the storm will be named Francine.
The Harrison County Emergency Management Association (EMA) Director Matt Stratton recommended to the supervisors the proclamation, which allowed the county resources from the state and the Mississippi Emergency Management Association (MEMA). This action would help the county coordinate with the 5 local cities in the county (Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, D’Iberville) while opening the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Gulfport at the Harrison County Courthouse.
The storm is beginning northeast movement in the Gulf of Mexico towards coastal Louisiana & Mississippi Wednesday & Thursday until central Mississippi is likely to receive the rest of the storm. The primary impact to Coastal Mississippi will be increased rainfall, with 4 to 6 inches forecast through Thursday. Some coastal flooding, gusty winds, and a short-lived tornado may also be possible, especially on Wednesday.
As watches and warnings could be issued later this week, review your hurricane and severe weather plans, and closely monitor official forecasts of the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center.
Stratton claimed winds would not be the primary threat, but the main threat is the rainfall and flash flooding. Hurricane Season will continue until the end of November.
