Hurricane Laura is traveling North over Texas and Louisiana, but Mississippi is also feeling the effects. Greg Michel, Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, says the storm could lead to tornadoes, flash floods, and storm surges of up to six feet. He compares Laura to Hurricane Rita from 2005. "That storm, Rita, followed very nearly this very same storm track, and we experienced one of the largest tornadic outbreaks that we've had on that day," says Michel. "So just a reminder. We could experience tornadoes in addition to the rainfall and the wind. So we certainly need to remain vigilant throughout this period of time."
Hurricane Laura will bring devastating winds and floodwaters over the states of Louisiana and Texas. Michel says he's dispatched a team of search and rescue officers to a staging area in Baton Rouge to help our neighbors in need. "They will get there, they will take shelter until the storm subsides and it's safe to move around. And then they will be deployed as necessary by the State of Louisiana's Emergency Management," says Michel.
The Mississippi National Guard is also deploying support to Louisiana. Colonel Jody Smith is Director of Military Support for the Mississippi National Guard. He says air support teams will serve under local emergency response officials. "And then they can use it for whatever needs they need. So yes, supplies could be a high water rescue, I mean, whatever the supported state needs they have that asset at their disposal to use."
Until Hurricane Laura moves away from the state, officials are asking Mississippians to stay vigilant and be prepared to take shelter if things change.
Editor’s note: The Mississippi National Guard has not received an official request from the state of Louisiana to assist with storm damage. A guard spokesperson says they are prepared and ready to help when needed.
