JACKSON, Miss.–A state of emergency has been declared by Governor Phil Bryant out in front of Tropical Storm Karen which is moving north through the Gulf of Mexico.
A spotter plane early Thursday morning declared the disturbance a tropical storm finally with winds over 60 mph.
“I have declared a State of Emergency so Mississippi can respond immediately if Tropical Storm Karen affects our state,” Gov. Bryant said. “Residents should not over react, but this should serve as a reminder to make your storm preparations now.
The current projected path has it hitting somewhere between Destin, FL and the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Saturday evening with the possibility of it being a weak hurricane.
“I will continue working with MEMA, the Mississippi National Guard, the Department of Public Safety and other emergency officials to monitor the situation, and we will issue updates as the storm develops.”
MEMA encourages you to have these things in your preparedness kit:
- 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 in watertight holder or stored electronically.
