Some roads already impassable in Jackson County as Sally approaches, officials say
Hurricane Sally started flooding some roads by early Tuesday morning in Jackson County as high tide rolled in and barricades were set up to cut off access to flooded Beach Boulevard in Pascagoula.
“We shut it down in the last 45 minutes,” Police Chief Matt Chapman said. Barricades also were being placed near other flood-prone streets so emergency responders can block them off when needed.
Hurricane Sally had dropped to a Category 1 by Tuesday morning with anticipated landfall projected in the early-morning hours Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm continued to track east Monday into Tuesday, putting Jackson County at greater risk.
More flooding is anticipated as Hurricane Sally heads toward landfall early Wednesday around the Mississippi-Alabama state line, according to the National Hurricane Center.
On Monday, police officers and firefighters went to door-to-door to homes in low-lying areas in Pascagoula, mostly in the eastern part of the city, to urge those residents to evacuate before they got stuck and needed help.
“We asked people to evacuate, but some people are just not going to go and then they end up calling us when things happen,” Chapman said. “We, along with the fire department. are prepared to go out and lead the charge for rescues if they are needed.”
“We have boats and the fire department is going to lead the charge to protect people,” he said. “If people get in a position where they need to be rescued, we are ready to respond.”
Authorities in low-lying areas surrounding the cities of Moss Point, Gautier and Ocean Springs have also urged residents to consider leaving, though no mandatory evacuations are in place.
Emergency responders equipped for flood rescues
Emergency management director Earl Etheridge said officials have prepared to respond to up to a Category 2 hurricane.
“We are ready and working,” Etheridge said. “We’ve got 25 people in shelters now and already have about 20 roads that are impassable and the heavy rain is not even here yet.
“The water gauge at the mouth of the Pascagoula River that leads to the Mississippi Sound stood at 4 feet Tuesday morning, so we know we are going to see it go up when the surge comes in.”
The Jackson County Emergency Operations Center and fire departments have four shallow-water boat and four high-water rescue vehicles for rescues.
In addition, fire departments and police departments in the surrounding cities and the Sheriff’s Department have additional high-water rescue vehicles and boats ready to respond.
Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell said he has extra people on duty for the duration of the storm.
“The area is going to be in for a nasty day and nasty night so don’t get out if you don’t need to,” Etheridge said. “We don’t need people out sightseeing because you can end stuck in some water on roads that are impassable.”
The sheriff reminded residents to also be prepared and look out for people trying to scam them after the hurricane.
In one instance, he said, officers received reports of fraudulent workers showing up and throwing damaged rooftop shingles in people’s yards, knocking on their doors and offering to fix bogus roof damage.
One tool residents should consider using, he said, is the Better Business Bureau or sheriff’s office. Deputies check out workers to ensure they are legitimate.
Who to call for help
Residents are urged to call 911 if they need rescue, although emergency personnel maybe unable to respond at the height of the storm.
Numbers for non-emergencies are listed below:
- Sheriff’s Office – 228-769-3063
- Pascagoula Police Department – 228-762-2211
- Moss Point Police Department – 228-475-1711
- Gautier Police Department – 228-497-2486
- Ocean Springs Police Department – 228-875-2211.
Jackson County shelters
St. Martin Community Center — 13000 Walker Road, St. Martin.
East Central shelter — 18413 Highway 613, Hurley.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 10:59 AM.
