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The information presented on this page was originally released on August 27, 2012. It may not be outdated, but please search our site for more current information. If you plan to quote or reference this information in a publication, please check with the Extension specialist or author before proceeding.
MSU is prepared as TS Isaac approaches
MISSISSIPPI STATE – The Mississippi State University Extension Service is preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac’s landfall, shutting down county and district offices and making information available online to Mississippians.
Counties in western Mississippi remain in the projected path of the storm that by midmorning Monday continued to move farther west than originally expected. South Mississippi is under a hurricane warning. Tropical storm-force winds are expected as far north as Highway 84 across the state.
Isaac poses a significant storm surge threat to the northern Gulf Coast and is expected to build to a Category 1 or 2 hurricane. Tropical storm force winds extend for 205 miles. Because of its large size, the storm surge is predicted to be greater than normal for a storm of Isaac’s intensity.
Current estimates are for the storm to reach land in St. Charles Parish, La. about 7 p.m. Tuesday. The storm is expected to enter Mississippi Wednesday about 7 p.m.
“Heavy rains and winds of 65 mph are expected when it enters the state near the Amite and Wilkinson county line Wednesday,” said Elmo Collum, Extension disaster preparedness specialist. “The storm is expected to move into Franklin and Adams counties later that night before veering back into Louisiana.”
The MSU Extension Service has a wealth of storm- and disaster-related information available online. Topics include debris cleanup, salvaging personal belongings, controlling mold and disaster recovery.
This is the first storm of the 2012 hurricane season to threaten Mississippi. As the storm approaches, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reminds residents in the affected areas to make sure they have fully stocked emergency supply kits to support them for at least three days. Kits should include batteries, flashlight, battery-operated radio, one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, extra medication, important documents, baby and pet food and supplies, and cash.
Equipment from the Hancock County office of the MSU Extension Service was moved Monday to the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. County offices in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties were set to close at 1 p.m. today. Extension Service county offices in 19 more counties were expected to be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
