As Tropical Storm Francine moves closer to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) advises all south Mississippi residents to prepare now for possible storm impacts, including blocked roadways, flash flooding and power outages. Tips on how to prepare can be found in MDOT’s free Hurricane Evacuation Guide and Hurricane Emergency Checklist, available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese at GoMDOT.com/hurricanes.

A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for Lincoln County meaning in the next 48 hours there is a possibility of tropical storm force winds from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. Winds could reach sustained speeds of 30 to 45 mph with gusts peaking out at 75 mph. Residents should plan for dangerous wind speeds.

“Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles,” the National Weather Service warns. “Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.”

Francine is expected to bring several inches of rain to the southern portion of the state, which can result in flash flooding. MDOT advises motorists to avoid traveling in severe weather, and importantly, never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway.

Tropical Storm Francine is now expected to strengthen into a hurricane later today or tonight according to the National Hurricane Center.

If you must travel in severe weather, MDOT offers the following tips:

• Never drive through a flooded area; the water may carry your vehicle or cause it to stall. Remember the phrase: “Turn around. Don’t drown.”
• Do not use cruise control when the roads are wet. The distance it takes to stop increases in these conditions.
• If you are in your vehicle during a tornado, seek sturdy shelter or the lowest part of the ground such as a ditch. Never seek shelter under highway overpasses.
• Use your headlights whenever conditions require the use of windshield wipers.

MDOT is currently monitoring the storm, and crews stand ready to respond to potential impacts on roads and bridges. Should conditions warrant, MDOT will halt construction and divert crews to storm preparation and response.

Conditions could be favorable for tornadoes to form.

Residents should follow the advice and directives of local officials and remain weather-aware. Check back for more updates.