Mississippi Gulf Coast beachline in Long Beach, Miss. preparing for Tropical Storm Francine Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette via AP)
The Gazebo Gazette
LONG BEACH (GG) — In advance of anticipated severe weather and the potential for storm surge, Long Beach will begin opening its west evacuation route Tuesday, July 21 to ensure residents have an alternate route to safety if conditions worsen.
The evacuation route is being prepared in the event that Highway 90 becomes impassable due to flooding. Should storm surge inundate the highway, the west evacuation route provides local residents with a means of traveling north of the railroad tracks and safely exiting the affected area.
The Public Works Department crews will be on-site throughout Tuesday clearing and preparing the route to ensure it is accessible if needed.
“This is a precautionary step to make sure our community is prepared for any potential impacts from the storm,” expressed Long Beach Mayor Tim Pierce. “While we hope this route will not be necessary, we want to ensure residents have a safe alternate path should coastal flooding affect Highway 90.”
Currently, the evacuation route is being opened strictly as a preparedness measure. Residents are encouraged to:
- Monitor official Long Beach communication channels for updates.
- Stay informed of changing weather conditions through the National Weather Service.
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways.
- Be prepared to adjust travel plans if conditions deteriorate.
Long Beach continues to monitor weather conditions closely and will provide additional updates as they become available.
For the latest emergency information, follow Long Beach on social media, sign up for Nixle emergency alerts, and visit the City’s official website (https://www.cityoflongbeachms.info/).
(Front Photo by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
