/Hurricane Delta winds, rain expected to impact Mississippi

Hurricane Delta winds, rain expected to impact Mississippi

Reeves and other experts warned that the track of the Mississippi River could change and that Mississippians need to be “weather-aware” throughout the weekend. Southwestern and western Mississippi could experience winds of up to 65 mph and rainfall of 4-6 inches, as well as spinoff tornadoes. If the storm continues on its current path towards a landfall near Lake Charles, Louisiana, the rest of the state may see rain of 1-2 inches and gusty wind before it exits Mississippi through Corinth. Reeves stated that the storm is only 27 to 28 hours away from reaching landfall. Reeves said that the storm is only 27 or 28 hours away from making landfall in Louisiana. Forecasters predicted that it would strengthen further through Thursday night, and could reach Category 3 or greater before the United States landfall. Hurricanes are rated according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranges from 1-5. Category 3 and above are considered major hurricanes. Reeves declared a State of Emergency for Mississippi on Wednesday. The White House approved the declaration and allowed federal funds to be released if necessary. Reeves stated that Mississippi is ready to assist Louisiana in an emergency. Greg Michel, Mississippi Emergency Management Director, stated that 161,000 sandbags have been delivered to southwest Mississippi. 11 shelters are on standby ready to open if necessary. Three shelters plan to open Friday. MEMA and National Guard had prepared supplies and people for the event. Reeves reiterated Wednesday a phrase he uses frequently: Mississippi will “prepare and pray for the worst, but expect the best.”_x000D