MEMA asks residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Bonnie
PEARL – MEMA Director Mike Womack urges Mississippians to prepare now for effects from Tropical Storm Bonnie. Weather forecasts have Bonnie approaching the Gulf Coast late Saturday or Sunday morning.
“Even though this storm is not forecast to strengthen into a hurricane I caution everybody to take this storm seriously,” Womack said. “If Bonnie remains a tropical storm we will still see a moderate storm surge with additional wave action as well as torrential rain and potential flooding and wind damage.”
Residents that live in low-lying areas prone to flooding during heavy rainfall should take precautions. Even if no evacuation orders are issued, residents living in non-stable housing such as travel trailers or mobile homes should seek more sturdy shelter.
Now is the time for residents to get ready for this and future storms. Planning ahead includes having a fully stocked emergency supply kit.
An emergency supply kit should contain:
Flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries.
Canned and non-perishable food.
Bottled water.
Toiletry items.
Pet food and pet supplies.
Medicine and prescription medication.
Copies of important family papers and documents.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami has issued a tropical storm warning for Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties in Mississippi. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm force winds are expected within the next 36 hours.
MEMA will continue to release updated information about Tropical Storm Bonnie and preparations. For more information, contact MEMA External Affairs at 1-866-920-6362 or visit MEMA's Web site at www.msema.org.
