What does Hurricane Delta mean for Cruisin’ The Coast? No orange cones
Only in 2020 could Cruisin’ The Coast be threatened by the coronavirus and a hurricane.
The 24th annual event is under way across South Mississippi from Oct 4-11, while Hurricane Delta moves into the Gulf.
Biloxi announced Thursday that the orange cones used to control traffic on U.S. 90 during Cruisin’ and other events may not be used this weekend because of expected wind gusts from Hurricane Delta.
More than 2,000 of the orange cones were scheduled to be placed on Beach Boulevard from I-110 to DeBuys Road on Thursday night.
“The cones are designed to help move traffic and help police and fire respond in a timely manner to any emergency, but if these cones blow over into traffic lanes, they will cause significant issues,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said. “We’re asking everyone to please drive carefully, and please give right-of-way to any vehicles responding to an emergency.”
Barricades may be used in areas where the highway may flood, he said.
Cruisin’ events went on as scheduled Wednesday and Thursday as the forecast had the track of Delta staying away from South Mississippi. A storm surge warning is in effect.
“The schedule pretty much remains the same with the exception of the Ocean Springs Sock Hop moving to Thursday evening,” the Cruisin’ Facebook page message said.
That change made to the Cruisin’ schedule is the Ocean Springs Sock Hop & Street Party in the downtown now will be Thursday night featuring the Chick’s Picks Car Contest at 5:30 p.m. and the main musical act, the Molly Ringwald’s at 6:15 p.m. Friday’s festivities in Ocean Springs will include live music by Unfazed after 5 p.m. along with a Cruisin’ Crawl, if weather permits.
All six stamping venues in cities across the three Coast counties opened Thursday and reservations now are being accepted for the 25th annual Cruisin’ The Coast in 2021.
If the track of the hurricane changes, the many campers and tents along U.S. 90 would have to get out of the way of the storm.
Three years ago in October 2017, Hurricane Nate forced Cruisin’ The Coast to consolidate the final events and end a day early on Saturday. Many of the cruisers packed their valuable cars and left for home early.
The casinos in South Mississippi closed on Saturday but were back open 18 1/2 hours later on Sunday as Nate caused minimal damage to the Coast.
The Sun Herald will continue to monitor the status of Cruisin’ The Coast and report any changes to the schedule.
This story was originally published October 6, 2020 at 2:06 PM.
