Hurricane Beryl Brings Stormy Weather to Mississippi

Mississippi was hit with the outer bands of Hurricane Beryl on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the state. The Category 1 hurricane made landfall earlier in the day in South Carolina, but its effects were still felt in Mississippi.

According to reports from the National Weather Service, Beryl brought sustained winds of up to 75 mph and gusts of up to 90 mph to parts of the state. The storm’s outer rain bands dumped heavy rain on some areas, causing flash flooding and power outages.

Coastal towns in Mississippi, such as Gulfport and Biloxi, were particularly affected by the storm. Residents reported significant flooding in these areas, with waters rising as high as 2-3 feet in some cases. Additionally, thousands of residents were left without power as strong winds knocked down trees and power lines.

“We’re urging everyone to exercise extreme caution and follow all instructions from local authorities,” said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “We’re working closely with our emergency management team to monitor the situation and provide support to those affected.”

In response to the storm, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) deployed disaster response teams to affected areas to assist with evacuations, search and rescue efforts, and damage assessments.

“We’re grateful that there haven’t been any reported fatalities, but we’re aware that the storm’s impact will likely be felt for some time,” said MEMA Director, Hank Bates. “We’re working to get critical resources to those in need as quickly as possible.”

As of Friday morning, Beryl was downgraded to a tropical storm, but it was still expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the region throughout the day. Residents in Mississippi were advised to stay indoors and avoid travel until the storm had passed.

The storm’s impact on the state’s economy and infrastructure is still being assessed, but officials are warning of significant damage to homes, businesses, and agricultural areas. This latest hail storm in Mississippi is a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and emergency planning in the face of severe weather events.

Important Information:

• Residents affected by the storm can find information and resources from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at www.msema.org.
• For updates on power outages, visit the website of your local utility company or follow them on social media.
• If you have been affected by the storm, contact your local emergency management office to report any damage or needs.

Stay safe, Mississippi!