The State of Mississippi is warning residents about disaster preparedness as Mississippians prepare for Hurricane Francine to hit the state after making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday evening. The storm is currently a Category 1 hurricane with sustained wind speeds of 90 mph.
Gov. Tate Reeves issued a state of emergency declaration late on Tuesday afternoon.
“In advance of Tropical Storm Francine, I’ve declared a State of Emergency. This will allow us to mobilize state assets, and respond as necessary,” the governor announced in a tweet.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said on Wednesday morning that Mississippians could experience wind speeds as high as 65 mph on Wednesday evening along with flooding and up to 10 inches of rain.
Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba also declared a state of emergency for the capital city on Tuesday.
“We do expect flooding. We expect some strong winds,” City of Jackson Communications Director Melissa Faith-Payne said during a Tuesday evening press conference at City Hall.
Payne reminded residents to avoid driving through flooded areas.
The City of Jackson was set to open the Jackson Police Training Academy at 3000 St. Charles St. at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 11, as a shelter to those escaping the storm, JPD Chief Joseph Wade said. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is also providing a list of shelters and safe rooms in other parts of the state at this link.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross will be on hand at the shelter in Jackson.
Due to the amount of calls he anticipates the police department will receive amid the storm, residents should not call 911 for non-emergency police services, the Jackson police chief said.
“If it is not a life-threatening situation, please use our administrative number, 601-960-1234. If it is an emergency, of course, please contact 911. Let’s not bog the line down with administrative calls,” Wade said.
In case of power outages, residents should also avoid using portable generators inside their homes, Jackson Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Cleotha Sanders said. “Do not use your generators inside of your home. Make sure you’re using your generators as far away from your home, windows and doors as possible.”
MEMA has a Francine preparedness page that lists school closures and sandbag distribution sites.
This story was updated on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at 11:40 a.m.
