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August 28, 2008

Effects of hurricane expected to be felt here Monday night

By Brian Livingston The Meridian Star Thu Aug 28, 2008, 11:42 PM CDT

blivingston@themeridianstar.com

Gustav has re-energized to near hurricane strength as it spins nearly stationary close to Jamaica.

And the latest information on the storm doesn't get much better, according to meteorologists.

"The problems Gustav will create for east-central Mississippi involves rain and high winds," said Jim Loznicka, meteorologist with NBC 15 in Mobile, Ala., formerly at meteorologist for WTOK-TV. "But the most troubling aspect of Gustav, at least for people in Meridian and Lauderdale County, is these effects will come through at night. That is the worst time for a major weather event to hit."

Loznicka is expecting Gustav to make landfall with winds up to 110 mph while wind gusts of up to 75 mph in the Lauderdale County area along

with frequent heavy rain bands moving through is a distinct possibility.

The storm is forecast to become a major hurricane over the weekend as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico, possibly threatening New Orleans nearly three years to the day since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast in 2005.

AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski says whether the eye of Gustav goes east or west of the city, the canals and levees will be put to the test. According to Kottlowski, a "better case scenario" for New Orleans would be if high pressure over the eastern half of the country stalls the storm over the northern Gulf. "While heavy rain and winds would pound the city, it would dramatically cut down on the storm surge that was the major reason for the collapse of the levees during Katrina."

Hotels and motels in Meridian already are filled with reservations from people living on the Gulf Coast. Suzy Johnson, Lauderdale County Tourism Director said there are no rooms left in Meridian.

"We have been fielding calls from residents on the coast all day," said Johnson Thursday. "The nearest place to find a hotel may be in Birmingham, Ala. We can't hold any more."

As for potential evacuees in Lauderdale County, Cheri Barry of the American Red Cross said a meeting this morning with officials from the city, county and state organizations will be held to iron out last-minute plans.

"Our biggest concern is taking care of people in Lauderdale County and the other six counties our chapter is responsible for," she said. "We will be putting out public service announcements on a regular basis to keep people informed on where to go and what to do."

The main message Barry and all other emergency officials want to get across to residents: do everything in your power to be prepared.

BE PREPARED

Here's what you want to include when building an emergency kit:

•flashlights

•batteries

•battery powered radio

•battery powered lanterns

•clock

•clothing

•rain gear

•working gloves

•toilet paper and paper towels

•antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer

•matches and lighters

•plastic garbage bags

•first aid kit

•map of area

•list of phone numbers

•homeowner's insurance policy

•water and food for at least three days

•tools

•prescription drugs

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