MEMA Preps For Ida's Arrival

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Published: November 09, 2009

MEMA officials anticipate a small impact on coastal portions of Mississippi from Tropical Storm Ida, but they're still preparing for the unexpected.
Flooding in low lying areas is the biggest concern according to Mike Womack, MEMA Director. He said residents in those areas have been encouraged to move out and into a shelter for Monday night.
"When you combine lots of rain and the storm surge from Ida, those areas especially prone to flooding will be hit," he said.
Womack said state agencies are on stand by just in case things take a turn for the worst, but full mobilization of state assets should not happen. About 50 national guard troops have traveled to the coast in anticipation of some flooding worries.
"We want residents to take this event seriously, even though it's only a tropical storm," Womack said. "I don't think will see much in the way of wind damage, but we want to play it safe."
Three shelters have opened for residents of Harrison and Jackson counties. Red Cross officials say that volunteers are on stand by as well in case conditions warrant a full roll out of resources.