State of Emergency and Curfew Issued in Gulfport

Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes announced a State of Emergency and 6 p.m. curfew earlier today in reaction to Francine making landfall.

As of now Gulfport is expected to receive four to eight inches of rain with isolated areas receiving up to twelve, alongside a three-to-five-foot storm surge in low-lying regions, and an increased risk of tornadoes along the Coast.

“Anytime you have a storm threat you want to proceed with an abundance of caution. One thing I’ve learned through the years is complacency kills and it’s a dangerous thing because every storm is different. Some of them spin up more than the forecast expected them to. We just want to tell folks if you don’t have to get out don’t and if you do just be cautious. We let everyone go except for essential personnel and I urge business to do the same because we’re going to get a good bit of rain.”

In conjunction with the state of emergency, all city administration functions will be suspended from noon September 11th to 6 a.m. September 12th.

The curfew will be in effect from 6 p.m. September 11th to 6 am September 12th. During this time no one will be allowed on public streets or property except for emergency personnel.

Residents are urged to comply with the curfew and stay in a safe location.