MEMA Reports on Power Outages and Storm Surge

9/1/08  9:18 a.m.   GCN

PEARL – Coastal cities in Mississippi are experiencing impacts from Hurricane Gustav.

Highway 90 in Harrison County is closed at this time due to storm surge.

“We urge people to avoid driving on the roadways if at all possible, and if it is not possible be extremely cautious,” said MEMA Director Mike Womack. 

In Hancock County there were reports of the Jordan River flooding as of 7:24 a.m. A search and rescue mission is underway on Jordan River’s shores for people who did not evacuate.

In Hancock the following roads are closed because of flooding:

Tahiti Street, Gull Street, Julia Street, Forrest Street, Favre Street, Bayou Drive West, First Avenue, Central and Old Nicholson at Washington Street, Central Avenue, Sugarfield Street, Cave Street and Bayou Lacroix Bridge.

The Red Cross shelter at Hancock North Central School is at capacity with 250 evacuees. Stennis shelter has 78 residents.

Waveland in Hancock County reported 2,290 power outages as of 6 a.m. today, but Coast Electric was able to get the power back up quickly.

For more information call MEMA’s Public Information Line at 866-519-MEMA or the Media line at 866-920-MEMA or visit www.msema.org.