tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83159982011-07-14T19:40:25.979-05:00John Murrellnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095378829733047392004-09-16T18:50:00.000-05:002004-09-16T18:53:49.733-05:00

After being awake for pretty much all but one hour the last 35 hours, it's time for me to shut down near continuous blogging. Thank everyone for participating in this new experience for The Sun Herald. I hope it was beneficial to folks out there. I'll be updating ocassionally as conditions warrant in the near future. Please continue to visit The Sun Herald for continuing coverage of recovery

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095370438336326712004-09-16T16:31:00.000-05:002004-09-16T16:33:58.336-05:00

The Popp's Ferry drawbridge is being raised for 10 minutes every hour to allow boats to return to their slips in harbors along the Mississippi Sound. This will continue for several hours, possibly until Friday morning.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095368418854987292004-09-16T15:57:00.000-05:002004-09-16T16:00:18.853-05:00

Hurricane Ivan left a mark on Gulf Coast Medical Center, but it's being called temporary and the facility will open Thursday night at 7. The 144-bed acute care hospital located on DeBuys Road just down the street from our paper, closed Tuesday as everyone anticipated a potentially large impact from Hurricane Ivan. Patients transferred at that time will start returning Friday.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095368202913783702004-09-16T15:55:00.000-05:002004-09-16T15:56:42.913-05:00

Linda Eaton Grouell (now of Everett, Wash.) writes: (i)I graduated from Pass High in the 60s and was married in Trinity Church while we lived there before Camille hit. It’s still a special place for me. We went through Betsy while there and I watched with angst as Ivan headed towards the shores. Your website and constant updates gave me valuable info to help me know what was happening beyond

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095368067395686282004-09-16T15:35:00.000-05:002004-09-16T15:54:27.396-05:00

I'm trying to catch up on the flurry of e-mails earlier today with questions about specific areas of the Coast. There were only a few in Harrison County. A couple of folks asked about Orange Grove and all reports from there are encouraging. As stated elsewhere, there have been very few flooding issues in the area and Orange Grove should be clear. Roads are generally open everywhere, although

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095364088356711042004-09-16T14:45:00.000-05:002004-09-16T14:48:08.356-05:00

An e-mailer inquires: I live in Southwest Florida and have just cleaned up after Charley. I had planned to stay in Biloxi this weekend and was glad to hear the eye of the storm did not hit you as hard as we all thought, however no news ever tells us how the casinos have made out and we cannot get through on any of the phone lines. I thought maybe you could give us some advice on how Treasure Bay

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095363572926841302004-09-16T14:36:00.000-05:002004-09-16T14:44:06.966-05:00

Anne Greer writes: As an old alum of Gulf Park College, I'm concerned about Friendship Oak. Any news? Thanks! Sonny, a very friendly security guard on duty at the Long Beach campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, reports that initial inspections indicate the majestic 500-year-old Live Oak tree survived the storm well. It lost the usual small limbs for a storm like this but appears

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095363120219029342004-09-16T14:31:00.000-05:002004-09-16T14:32:00.220-05:00

Scott Sands here — formerly of The Big Show with Scott, Darren, & Virginia on LIVE 95.3 FM, now in Indianapolis. I've been tracking the storm through national news channels and WLOX / Sun-Herald websites. I'm homesick after my bouts with Georges, Elena, Andrew, Hugo, Frederick, etc. But, this time, it looks like the Coast was mostly spared. Please pass along my regards to those affected and

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095362963215096112004-09-16T14:25:00.000-05:002004-09-16T14:29:23.216-05:00

Tom Zanfardino has a couple of questions: First and foremost I would like to wish your community the very best in these trying times. I am a south west Florida resident and know what its like to clean up after a strong hurricane. Now on a more self searving note. I had planed to go to the Beau Rivage this weekend. I would still like to go do you have any updated information as to when the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095362178069667662004-09-16T14:07:00.000-05:002004-09-16T14:16:18.070-05:00

From Laura Jaudon-Booth: Well, it was a restless night for us parents, but thank you Jesus, that our kids slept thru the worst of it. They woke up disappointed that it was over -- kids!!! Fortunately, we lost nothing. Our neighbor lost cable, but not having cable for over 15 years, we don't miss it. Drove thru town before noon and saw very little damage -- few trees down, but only one house

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095361571850067872004-09-16T14:04:00.000-05:002004-09-16T14:06:11.850-05:00

Danny Smith shares a tip that might come in handy for future evacuations: Have been reading about all the horror stories of the drive to Jackson ... 12 hours one of your reports said. For future reference for those living in Jackson County, especially eastern Jackson County: take 63 to Lucedale, 98 to Beaumont, 15 through Laurel to Bay Springs, 18 to Brandon, 80 to Jackson Airport road, jog

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095361236438901882004-09-16T13:57:00.000-05:002004-09-16T14:00:36.436-05:00

From Sun Herald freelancer Kay Grafe: Ask anybody in Lucedale who experienced Frederic in 1979 and they will say, "It was no Frederic ... thank goodness." George County’s hurricane damage is mild, compared to the extensive damage of 25 years ago. Most citizens are breathing a sign of relief. Yet, the county has its share of power outages, downed trees and debris that will take weeks to repair

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095360784942730182004-09-16T13:50:00.000-05:002004-09-16T13:53:04.943-05:00

I've taken another break from blogging while relocating from the Harrison County courthouse to The Sun Herald offices on DeBuys Road on the Biloxi-Gulfport line. I'll continue doing what I've been doing over the past 1,000 hours (well, it seems that long to me) and try to get back to folks who have e-mailed me with specific questions about people, places and things. Bear with us while I shift

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095355598318199872004-09-16T11:59:00.000-05:002004-09-16T12:34:52.666-05:00

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Latham praised South Mississippians for heeding Tuesday's evacuation order and pledged to continue public education efforts to prove it was not done in vain. "We have to be ready for Mother Nature to do something we don't expect," said Latham, who adamantly stated the state had "no apologies" for its order. He arrived in Gulfport late

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095349691025742002004-09-16T10:42:00.000-05:002004-09-16T10:50:05.900-05:00

Stella Schramm asks: Is there any news on Hancock county (especially the beach front communities)? Are roads from Hattiesburg to Waveland and Bay St. Louis open? Business editor Lisa Monti lives in Bay St. Louis says there is insignificant damage there. She is currently driving to the paper on DeBuys Road between Gulfport and Biloxi. She's passed a couple traffic lights in Long Beach and

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095349294668534212004-09-16T10:40:00.000-05:002004-09-16T10:41:34.666-05:00

Tommy Clifford e-mails: This Blog has been invaluable in reducing anxiety for all who read this from afar. I am in Central PA attending med school and have been starved for information concerning friends and relatives. Even though not specifically mentioning my neighborhood (Gulf Park Estates - South of the Bayou any info would be appreciated), I have read enough to be reasonably sure that

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095348046733309792004-09-16T10:19:00.000-05:002004-09-16T10:20:46.733-05:00

Matt Baldwin, of Winston-Salem, N.C., sent in a question about the status of Keesler, then followed up before I could answer or post the original. Here's his report: A follow up to an email I sent a bit ago -- just talked to my sister @ keesler AFB, and all is well. my brother in law is part of the recovery team, and he's out surveying damage. lots of limbs down, power is on on the base, but

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095347855339829522004-09-16T10:16:00.000-05:002004-09-16T10:17:35.340-05:00

Sun Herald military reporter Patrick Peterson reports: About 70 National Guardsmen from the 223rd Engineer Battalion in North Mississippi will arrive in Jackson County before noon to help with traffic control. Little flooding or debris in roads was reported in Jackson County. Mississippi Guardsmen will likely have a short stay in South Mississippi, since electric power will be restored

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095346980183106222004-09-16T10:01:00.000-05:002004-09-16T10:03:00.183-05:00

A friend of mine who evacuted to Starkville has heard about her home and that of another friend who lives in Diamondhead: friends called to say that i have a decent (6-inch diameter) branch down on my fence but that it has not damaged the fence and they were even nice enough to move it off the fence for me. other than that the roof and the house are fine, the clematis bloom even stuck around.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095346860581809702004-09-16T09:53:00.000-05:002004-09-16T10:06:45.256-05:00

Quick snippets from Sun Herald reporters in the field: From Patrick Peterson: A quick tour of Biloxi showed only minor damage to trees, roofs and business signs, and scattered power outages. Treasure Bay casino, the most vunerable barge, was unscathed, said an employee. The north wind caused by being on the west side of the storm prevented major beach erosion and flooding. From photograher

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095345233226510902004-09-16T09:32:00.000-05:002004-09-16T09:33:53.226-05:00

Sun Herald reporter Patrick Peterson reports: "We were so lucky, I can't complain," said Dot Strangi, 1537 Miller St. in Biloxi, who rode out the storm in her home two blocks off the beach. She was not afraid in the home, where she's lived since 1958. It has withstood "Camille and all the others." "Usually, I have the whole family here," she said. A tree in her front yard was one of the few

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095345092130808492004-09-16T09:12:00.000-05:002004-09-16T09:31:32.130-05:00

I wish that everyone would have the news I got at my house and that of my folks. Our property appears to be OK and I hope everyone else can be as fortunate, although I know that won't be the case. Back to work ...

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095342124086464682004-09-16T08:40:00.000-05:002004-09-16T08:42:04.086-05:00

I'm going to run and take care of some personal business, so I'll be away for the next hour or so. I'm going to check on my house and my parents' house. Sorry I can't do the same for each of you, but we're trying to get as much information out as we can as quickly as we can. Thanks for checking in and I'll be back shortly.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095341616126450272004-09-16T08:32:00.000-05:002004-09-16T08:33:36.126-05:00

Sun Herald reporter Margaret Baker reports from Jackson County: Ocean Springs police were releasing little information about hurricane damage Thursday morning, saying only that they'd had power outages in some areas and not in others. A police spokeswoman said the city was busy fielding calls from wayward residents wanting to know if it was safe to return home. The spokeswoman said there were

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095341543142906562004-09-16T08:30:00.000-05:002004-09-16T08:32:23.143-05:00

Harrison County Civil Defense Director Linda Rouse, like the rest of the county, is breathing a sigh of relief. "We dodged the bullet," she said this morning about 7:15. "We came through real well and we're thankful. We could have been like Pensacola." Early reports indicate damage in the county is low for the size and scope of the storm Hurricane Ivan was presenting to the area just 24 hours

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095340275317146672004-09-16T08:09:00.000-05:002004-09-16T08:11:15.316-05:00

Ron McMillan from the Department of Veterans Affairs asks: We are concerned about our VA Hospitals in the area. Do you have any information about either the Gulfport or Biloxi facilities? Your coverage is great, keep up the good work! I don't have any specific news about them, but we're definitely in the no-news-is-good-news period. Communications here are still good, so if something had gone

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095340075948820162004-09-16T08:04:00.000-05:002004-09-16T08:07:55.946-05:00

Petra in New Zealand writes: A friend of mine is a police officer in Gulfport, and is rostered to work 'the Ivan shift'. I'm worried for my friend's safety and for all those who, for one reason or another, had to stay behind. I caught some images on our TV News and that thing just blows my mind, if you'll pardon the expression. I'm chewing my fingernails keeping updated on Ivan. As far as I can

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095339629568502382004-09-16T07:57:00.000-05:002004-09-16T08:00:29.566-05:00

I'm starting to get specific requests for individual streets and neighborhoods. It's going to be very hard for us to answer all those. We'll probably report on the areas hit hardest first, naturally, and then move down in levels. Remember, all it takes is one limb from one tree across one roof to drastically alter the circumstances of one person or family, so please keep that in mind. Keep

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095336909063992282004-09-16T07:14:00.000-05:002004-09-16T07:15:09.063-05:00

Suzy Parker writes: My cousin lives in Moss Point on the back bay. Do you have any reports of the situation there? Margaret Baker is doing some reporting this morning trying to put together the story from Jackson County. Keep checking here for more information as we get it.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095336823308963652004-09-16T07:12:00.000-05:002004-09-16T07:13:43.310-05:00

Mississippi Power reports about 50,000 customers without power in South Mississippi. There are about another 20,000 customers of Coast Electric in the same situation.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095336507852373132004-09-16T07:06:00.000-05:002004-09-16T07:08:27.853-05:00

Curfews in Harrison County end at 7 a.m. Thursday morning in all areas except Biloxi, which is waiting until damage assesment are completed. A city representative told Civil Defense that could by lifted sometime this morning.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095335974416386952004-09-16T06:55:00.000-05:002004-09-16T07:02:38.273-05:00

Mike Updike writes: My aunt Gloria lives on Woodbine Drive just north of the railroad tracks -- I talked to her last night, she figured that since she'd been through Francis, she could hold out on Ivan as well. Not a comforting thought for the rest of us, but we are over in London, England. Any word on how things are over there would be greatly appreciated. I'm from Houston and got to

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095335519031462162004-09-16T06:50:00.000-05:002004-09-16T06:51:59.030-05:00

Trent Roberts, a former Ocean Springs resident now living in Charlotte, N.C., writes: The best line of the night from the national media came from the Coast's own Robin Roberts, who was reporting for CNN from Mobile. This was about 9 p.m. or so: Larry King: Robin, are you in any danger? Robin: No ... Yes, Larry, we are, there's a hurricane coming! Hope everyone is safe and sound.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095335355827449482004-09-16T06:48:00.000-05:002004-09-16T06:49:15.826-05:00

From Sun Herald military reporter Patrick Peterson: During the storm, only two requests were made of the National Guard, both in Jackson County. They responded to a call where someone had a seizure and they escorted an ill person to Ocean Springs hospital. A guard helicopter will survey hurricane damage from the air today, also checking for people who might be stranded.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095335277719988332004-09-16T06:46:00.000-05:002004-09-16T06:47:57.720-05:00

Michael Carron My wife Susan and I live in Italy, but have a home in Bay St. Louis and one on Bayou Talla off the Jourdan River. As our friends evacuated Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian we depended on the Sun Herald and your blog to keep us connected. Although we haven't talked to anyone yet (we are 7 hours ahead of CDT) we've begun to relax. I'm still watching the radar and IR loops and

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095335066469517622004-09-16T06:43:00.000-05:002004-09-16T06:44:26.470-05:00

Steve Bueno, who is a contractor working in the Balkans, writes: I would like to say thanks for the updates on your Web site I am a coast resident working overseas and have been worried about my family who left the coast and are waiting Ivan out in Natchez. Keep up the good work and thanks again.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095334716063488632004-09-16T06:37:00.000-05:002004-09-16T06:38:36.063-05:00

Tamara Ishee is another person inquiring about Ocean Springs: I'm trying to find out any info about how East Beach in Ocean Springs has come through Ivan. My inlaws live right across the street from the water. Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated. I'm still waiting for word from other there. I'll make another round of phone calls. Hang with us.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095334305750502502004-09-16T06:30:00.000-05:002004-09-16T06:31:45.750-05:00

Sir, I don't blame you for getting some sleep, you must have had some night. I hope things go well for you, we don't get hurricanes here in England but none the less our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. regards M. A. Pells, 14 Wood Street Codnor, Ripley Derbyshire. UK

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095334183402333602004-09-16T06:29:00.000-05:002004-09-16T06:29:43.403-05:00

Time to get back to work.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095326158139938632004-09-16T04:14:00.000-05:002004-09-16T04:15:58.140-05:00

I'm going to power down the computer here for a couple hours of shuteye. Thanks for following along with us and for all the good thoughts. Keep in mind the others to the east of us that are now facing a harsh road to recovery. We will be. I'll be back in the morning.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095325937840768472004-09-16T04:11:00.000-05:002004-09-16T04:12:17.840-05:00

Paula Treece writes: I am a former Coast resident, too. Lived in Saucier and now am in Northeast Tennessee awaiting Ivan and his rains to come here. Thanks for your updates and I am glad that the Coast came through this one so well. I can almost hear the sigh of relief from here. I still have family and lots of friends that we have been concerned about from way up here.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095325786649856862004-09-16T04:08:00.000-05:002004-09-16T04:09:46.650-05:00

From Solace Burris: I'm writing to find out any info about the Ocean Springs area, my folks live a block from the beach and I'm real axious to find how the area did. They live on LaBranche Ave. Would you know about any conditions in the area or the city? I've forwarded his question on to Margaret Baker, our reporter in Jackson County. If anybody else has word from the neck of the woods, please

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095325603848810772004-09-16T04:05:00.000-05:002004-09-16T04:10:39.306-05:00

Some observations from our ride-along with Gulfport Fire Department Chief Pat Sullivan, who's been the journalists' best friend for sure ... Chief Sullivan waved us to head out in a hurry at about 12:45 a.m. There was a house fire on East Beach Boulevard in Gulfport he was headed to. Turns out, it was a flare-up at the previously mentioned house earlier Thursday. The fire department had

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095322933851037282004-09-16T03:21:00.000-05:002004-09-16T03:22:13.853-05:00

From Larry Kirk: Larry Kirk here - former Biloxi resident - in St. Louis, far from the storms (whew!) but still have family all over South Mississippi ... so the prayers are with you guys. Hope you and the rest of the people on the Coast stay safe and ride another one out! Keep posting so we know what is really going on from the front line. Of course understanding a hurricane and what it

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095322767276297912004-09-16T03:18:00.000-05:002004-09-16T03:19:27.296-05:00

The Sun Herald's Margaret Baker reports: Officials at the emergency operations center said that the eye of the storm has passed over Fort Myers and Gulf Shores, with widespread damage reported in surrounding coastal cities, including Pensacola. In the last 24 hours, officials reported nearly five inches of rain, with wind gusts exceeding 80 mph in Jackson County by 2 a.m. Jackson County

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095322683314720482004-09-16T03:16:00.000-05:002004-09-16T03:18:03.316-05:00

Sorry for the long break in posts here. Had the opportunity to take another ride through Gulfport. Conditions are remarkably good here. Will update further within a half hour or so.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095311680254521622004-09-16T01:13:00.000-05:002004-09-16T00:14:40.253-05:00

We are getting hurricane force winds here in Gulfport. A Harrison County sheriff's deputy said the water along the beach is being held back by those winds, which are from the north to northeast.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095311592186167902004-09-16T01:12:00.000-05:002004-09-16T00:13:12.186-05:00

The last e-mailer quickly sent this in: So of course the Weather Channel is now broadcasting live from Gulfport and I must eat my words. Mea impatienca culpa. (Just felt obliged to set the record straight.)

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095313229010073352004-09-16T00:38:00.000-05:002004-09-16T00:40:29.010-05:00

David Purdy, the Sun Herald photographer working with me out of the courthouse, just returned from a ride-around with the Gulfport Fire Department. He said there's been surprisingly little rain. Most of the damage visible at this late hour are small branches down, with some fire department personnel cutting down limbs to keep the roads clear. The wind is now a factor.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095312327575550942004-09-16T00:23:00.000-05:002004-09-16T00:25:27.576-05:00

Last post along this vein, sent in by Cynthia Koets: God bless the Gulf Coast while you prepare for Ivan. I remember Camille ... horrible. I now live in southeast Florida, and we are still reeling from Frances, terrible damage here. Bad enough here, worse still on our southwest coast from Charlie. For the La-La-Land comment about Florida-centric, that's pretty cruel as the entire

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095311322609603372004-09-16T00:07:00.000-05:002004-09-16T00:11:27.983-05:00

An e-mailer from the West Coast: Guess you're in for a long night -- hope you have someone to "spell" you so you can get some rest. Those of us watching from the West coast very much appreciate your work. And I second the opinion that the weather channel's Florida-centric coverage is not serving us well (not that we lack sympathy for the Floridians). In some ways, we here in La-La-Land

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095311117175395202004-09-16T00:04:00.000-05:002004-09-16T00:10:42.733-05:00

Kevin Hecteman, who now lives in Stockton, Calif., writes: I'm a former resident of Biloxi (indeed, a former employee of the Sun Herald from November 1999 to July 2002). I consider myself fortunate that no hurricane of this size threatened the Gulf Coast while I was living there. I'm keeping track of the hurricane from near San Francisco. I hope everyone gets through this in one piece. My

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095310094401375472004-09-15T23:45:00.000-05:002004-09-16T00:05:57.663-05:00

Jimmy Boone, who is more than a little familiar with South Mississippi and The Sun Herald writes: I used to live in Gulfport, and was a shelter manager at Gulfport High when Andrew threatened. I also worked as a sports writer at the Sun-Herald. Now I am in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and we are expecting 70 mph winds on Thursday. One of my favorite places to eat is the White Cap in the small craft harbor

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095308384684638972004-09-15T23:17:00.000-05:002004-09-16T00:10:10.560-05:00

Kim Rohr submitted the following e-mail, which does not reflect The Sun Herald's opinion of a certain television station: Looks rough down there. Hopefully the eye will keep moving east. Planning to come down to Pascagoula Fri. and see what is left of Mom's place. Fortunately she had a trip planned to see us in TN before this hit. Hope it's not as bad as Camille (3 foot of water in the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095307944881007722004-09-15T23:08:00.000-05:002004-09-15T23:16:39.140-05:00

The Sun Herald's Margaret Baker reports: Jackson County Civil Defense Director Butch Loper said in a briefing late Wednesday evening that Hurricane Ivan was continuing to move to a northeast direction at about 12 mph, with the storm expected to make landfall between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Loper said Jackson County residents could expect to see maximum sustained winds of up to 80 mph, with the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095307562091052002004-09-15T23:05:00.000-05:002004-09-15T23:06:02.090-05:00

Civil Defense reports that area in Gulfport includine Bayou View Park and north have lost power.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095307474091382862004-09-15T23:01:00.000-05:002004-09-15T23:04:34.090-05:00

Harrison Central Elementary School, which is being used as an evacuation shelter, has lost power. Civil Defense says the 222 people being sheltered there will stay there, as it's too dangerous to move that number of folks in current weather conditions.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095305564872053582004-09-15T22:29:00.000-05:002004-09-15T22:32:44.873-05:00

Civil Defense reports the storm has caused fires at a house and a small business in Gulfport after debris fell power lines. They also report trees lying across power lines on East Railroad Street in Gulfport. Other power lines are down at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and U.S. 90 in Gulfport as well as at Woodglen Avenue and at the intersection of 38th Avenue and 10th Street. In Biloxi,

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095304791482810982004-09-15T22:18:00.000-05:002004-09-15T22:19:51.483-05:00

From Mickey Smith: I am native Mississippian and have been checking up on your website for my hometown Pascagoula-Gautier area from Scottsdale Ariz. I knew since my first experience with Freddy at 9 yrs what a Hurricane can do ... I've been in 2 more Hurricanes (Elena and George) before I left for Scottsdale in '99 and been checking up on the Sun Herald from time to time and want wish my

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095303495141314782004-09-15T21:50:00.000-05:002004-09-15T21:58:15.140-05:00

Folks respond to Sun Herald Executive Editor Stan Tiner's column from Wednesday: From Elaine Bolea in Hollywood, Fla.: Surmised every feeling of dread, despair and hope that I and many like me have been experiencing for the past several weeks while enduring three separate threats of a direct hit from a major storm. I am praying hard for you and your community Mr. Tiner. We all are. May

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095302801561714032004-09-15T21:45:00.000-05:002004-09-15T22:12:22.830-05:00

Another update from Sun Herald reporter Margaret Baker: Officials at the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center in Pascagoula lost power about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday as Hurricane Ivan plowed its way to land. Backup generators kicked in and allowed officials to continue to work. Officials, including Sheriff Mike Byrd, were monitoring several places that

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095302709180700802004-09-15T21:44:00.000-05:002004-09-15T21:45:09.180-05:00

A repeat poster, Del Oehms Hamilton, says thanks: Thanks again for what you are doing. We have all been frantic about my aunt who was at the Miramar Nursing home in Pass Christian. Her daughter has been so worried after hearing they had not evacuated. Through your site we now know that they patients there have all been taken to safety. My parents are with my brother in North Biloxi and we

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095302597507201852004-09-15T21:41:00.000-05:002004-09-15T21:43:17.506-05:00

From Sun Herald reporter Melissa Scallan and her travels earlier today: Hours before Hurricane Ivan made landfall, the streets of Gulfport, Biloxi and Ocean Springs were deserted except for news crews and a few walkers. The only business that was open was the Sonic in Ocean Springs where a few residents enjoyed a meal under shelter from the slight rain. Red lights were operational in Gulfport

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095302348899115912004-09-15T21:36:00.000-05:002004-09-15T21:39:08.900-05:00

In Jackson, Gov. Haley Barbour asked President Bush to declare a major disaster in Mississippi because of Hurricane Ivan. Barbour declared a state of emergency Tuesday for the coastal counties and all other affected areas. "Our focus is on helping our citizens receive the relief they need from the impact of this strong storm," Barbour said in a press release. "From what we can predict at this

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095301523931068542004-09-15T21:20:00.000-05:002004-09-15T21:25:23.930-05:00

Information from the Harrison County Emergency Operations Center indicates that power is out at Henderson Point (the western tip of Pass Christian, near the beach) and in half of D'Iberville. That would affect about 8,000 homes and it's probably just the beginning. A call from the owner of Famous Joe's restaurant and Bar on Point Cadet (the area of Old Biloxi in the eastern part of the city

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095300006621129062004-09-15T20:58:00.000-05:002004-09-15T21:00:06.620-05:00

Sharon Premo from Oregon sends: I lived in Gulfport for 2 years. I went through Hurricane Frederick. I lived one block from the community center on Finley St. I have friends that still live there on the street halfway down, two-story house. I remember the waiting for it to hit shore. Went to stay at Tica's mom's house out by the airport-could here a thud every once in a while during eye of storm

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095298025435397782004-09-15T20:25:00.000-05:002004-09-15T20:27:05.436-05:00

As of about 45 minutes ago, Mississippi Power stopped sending its crews out. Any further repairs to the power grid will have to wait until the storm passes.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095297862139095942004-09-15T20:23:00.000-05:002004-09-15T20:24:22.140-05:00

Sun Herald military reporter Patrick Peterson files: Maj. Gen. Harold Cross, adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard, said that 1,200 Guardsmen will form the first mobilization in response to Hurricane Ivan, which was on a track to make landfall just east of Pascagoula. More Guardsmen could be called if needed. Some eleven National Guard aircraft, mostly

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095296016095891802004-09-15T19:51:00.000-05:002004-09-15T19:53:36.096-05:00

Two more short stories from The Sun Herald's Robin Fitzgerald: Still room in shelters Harrison County's Emergency Operations Center reports people are still finding their way into one of the 16 shelters operated by the American Red Cross. As of 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, the shelters are 24 percent full, with 3,480 people housed in buildings with a combined capacity of 14,338. Civil Defense

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095295669386212722004-09-15T19:44:00.000-05:002004-09-15T19:47:49.386-05:00

Sun Herald military reporter Patrick Peterson sent in this report: GULFPORT -- State National Guardsmen began patrolling with Coast deputies on Wednesday to help them learn the areas that might be hardest hit by he storm. "They'll assist (local) police as soon as they can get out (on Thursday)," said Maj. Gen. Harold Cross, adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard. As many as 200

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095295433439485452004-09-15T19:41:00.000-05:002004-09-15T19:43:53.440-05:00

Chelley Pratt, a former Ocean Springs resident, related this travel story heading west: My husband and I recently moved to Lake Charles, LA but still own a home in a mandatory evacuation area of Jackson County. We headed to the house Tuesday morning and made the normal four-hour trip in just that amount of time. We checked on our tenants and boarded up the windows, then began to head back to

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095295261473138352004-09-15T19:36:00.000-05:002004-09-15T19:41:01.473-05:00

From The Sun Herald's Margaret Baker: During a 4:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall in Pascagoula, officials decided to remain in the building on Watts Avenue to ride out the storm, manning phone calls and offering assistance to anyone reported stranded in the city. Police Chief Michael Whitmore reported no significant storm-related problems, though the winds had downed two trees on Market Street.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095294915155697252004-09-15T19:18:00.000-05:002004-09-15T19:35:15.156-05:00

I just took about an hour's tour starting around 6 p.m. with two other press-types down to the Gulfport Harbor with Gulfport Fire Department Chief Pat Sullivan. We started down 20th Avenue on the eastern edge of the harbor. Waves of 4 to 5 feet were threatening to submerge Moses Pier, which juts out to the east about halfway down the harbor. The waves were lapping at the road there, too. We

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095293869446698772004-09-15T19:11:00.000-05:002004-09-15T19:17:49.446-05:00

Federal intervention was needed to evacuate a Pass Christian nursing home Wednesday afternoon. Miramar Lodge Nursing Home's 120 residents had to be taken from the facility by about 40 ambulances, a school bus and an RTA bus after they had failed to evacuate when the initial mandatory order was issued. The building is located on U.S. 90, the beachfront road. "We thought it was unsafe for them to

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095292747570470282004-09-15T17:46:00.000-05:002004-09-15T18:59:07.570-05:00

Gulfport Fire Department Chief Pat Sullivan reports that his firemen put out a fire at a downtown business at about 5 p.m. Quick Cuts Barber and Beauty, 3002 31st Ave., was heavily damaged inside. It's part of a strip mall of three other business, but the fire was contained to the barber shop. Initial reports say an overloaded electrical outlet looked like the cause of the blaze. -- reported by

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095288348391900812004-09-15T17:41:00.000-05:002004-09-15T17:45:48.390-05:00

A press release from the Mississippi State Department of Health: Hurricanes, especially if accompanied by a tidal surge or flooding, can contaminate the public water supply. Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. Individuals cannot assume that the water in the hurricane-affected area is safe to drink. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will continually monitor water

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095288043689545932004-09-15T17:39:00.000-05:002004-09-15T17:40:43.690-05:00

The open houses scheduled for the public with Forest Service employees to discuss the Forest Plan Revision have been postponed due to Hurricane Ivan. Meeting dates postponed are: September 16: Town Of Forest Community Center (Bienville) September 20: De Soto Ranger District Office, Wiggins (De Soto) September 21: Orange Grove Community Center (De Soto) September 23: The

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095287886356283192004-09-15T17:35:00.000-05:002004-09-15T17:38:06.356-05:00

An e-mailer from Florida writes: For all of you Mississippians, the storm is just the beginning ... aftermath is terrible ... prepare for it emotionally ... flooding, food, gas, tempers, debris, and you can't go running to anyone for emotional support, everyone is just like you ... so prepare ... know that things are going to be tough, it's going to take time lots of time, and when you go home .

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095287679100833952004-09-15T17:33:00.000-05:002004-09-15T17:34:39.100-05:00

Biloxi city officials have extended curfews there indefinitely starting at 7 p.m. tonight.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095287619933541632004-09-15T17:32:00.000-05:002004-09-15T17:33:39.933-05:00

I just glanced at the display in the Harrison County Emergency Operation Center in downtown Gulfport and it looks like winds are still in the teens, with gusts up to 25 mph or so.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095286164794638242004-09-15T17:04:00.000-05:002004-09-15T17:09:24.793-05:00

The U.S. Postal Service has announced that all post offices along the Mississippi Gulf Coast will remain closed Thursday, a second consecutive day. Nearly all offices in the entire 395 ZIP code area are affected, except Saucier, Perkinston, McHenry and Wiggins. Two post offices in the 394 area -- Leakesville and Lucedale -- will be closed Thursday. All other offices are expected to be closed

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095285818600578922004-09-15T16:59:00.000-05:002004-09-15T17:03:38.600-05:00

One of The Sun Herald's most active folks during the storm has been cops reporter Robin Fitzgerald, who files these two briefs. Avoiding the storm Michael Saunders of Long Beach evacuated from Florida to avoid Hurricane Ivan. Now, he says he's "stuck like chuck" with friends in Lyman. "My company told me to just stay here," said Saunders, an insurance adjustor. "They told me there will be work

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095285579951297322004-09-15T16:55:00.000-05:002004-09-15T16:59:39.950-05:00

Thanks to Debbie Player for this look at what's going on in the state capital with the influx of folks from this neck of the woods. It's 12:00 o'clock noon on Wednesday, September 15th--lunchtime for those of us who are still working. The sun is shining and the wind is picking up. Ivan the Terrible is on his way to reek havoc with our everyday lives, like my habitual trip to Northpark Mall. I

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095284814957922482004-09-15T16:44:00.000-05:002004-09-15T16:46:54.956-05:00

Anita Lee, The Sun Herald's Harrison County reporter, files this first-person account from today's activity: Ivan trumpeted his arrival on the beach in Biloxi by 2 p.m. Wednesday. The water looked unnatural, coursing westerly and heaving up surf in the Mississippi Sound, normally tamer waters. A few sightseers walked the sand alongside an otherwise barren beach highway. You see the oddest

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095284175518413922004-09-15T16:33:00.000-05:002004-09-15T16:36:15.516-05:00

Here's a substantially longer list of shelters outside the three coastal counties. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Department of Transportation have identified these locations to Harrison County Civil Defense for travelers to use upstate. MDOT informs everyone that evacuation traffic has subsided on Highway 49 through Forrest County (Hattiesburg area). Motorists are

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095283937306382042004-09-15T16:31:00.000-05:002004-09-15T16:32:17.306-05:00

The list is short now, but should grow as the storm moves inland. In Gulfport, Lorraine Road at Jig's Fishing Camp is now closed due to flooding. There are also a couple of small streets in low-lying areas of Pass Christian that are unpassable.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095283840226261062004-09-15T16:25:00.000-05:002004-09-15T16:30:40.226-05:00

The official Harrison County Web site has the latest releases from Civil Defense on its front page.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095283500718133892004-09-15T16:23:00.000-05:002004-09-15T16:25:00.716-05:00

Officials at the Harrison County Emergency Operations Center say official shelters in the area are up to 23 percent capacity. There are more than 3,100 people in the 17 official shelters.

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095283388203790552004-09-15T16:20:00.000-05:002004-09-15T16:23:08.203-05:00

In a press release from Washington, Senator Trent Lott said he's coordinating with Gov. Haley Barbour and state and local agencies to speed disaster assistance response after initial damage assessments are made. "As a Pascagoula resident I know all too well the deadly and damaging effects of a hurricane, and it's apparent that Ivan poses one of the most troubling natural threats our state has

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095281840837475572004-09-15T15:49:00.000-05:002004-09-15T15:58:01.416-05:00

Heather Baker from Texas asks: My in-laws are in Gulfport and we visited last week. We talked about it while we were there, but didn't really come to any real conclusions, so maybe you can answer for me. What do the casinos do in the case of a hurricane and storm surges? How high does it have to get before they are in trouble? I know everything is closed, but I haven't found anything that says

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095278586002310752004-09-15T15:00:00.000-05:002004-09-15T15:03:06.003-05:00

This comes from Robert Fiske at Robins AFB in Georgia: I am one of the unfortunate people who were unable to get down the road to evacuate my parents who live in the mandatory evacuation zone south of U.S. 90 in Ocean Springs. The one good thing is their home on the coast survived Camille's direct hit unscathed -- it's going for two! They did get boarded up, however, for safety and decided to

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095278356800592022004-09-15T14:56:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:59:16.800-05:00

As expected with the storm heading in to the east of us, winds are generally from the north right now. It's still only drizzling in downtown Gulfport, but the waters being pushed forward by Hurricane Ivan are having an effect. Law enforcement officers in the Emergency Operations Center say one shrimp boat in Pass Christian Harbor has sunk, apparently because the mooring lines weren't loosened

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095277498663664592004-09-15T14:42:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:44:58.663-05:00

...for more Web traffic. Jay Losset from Jackson reports: the jackson free press (www.jacksonfreepress.com) just put a link to your blog front and center on their site. i grew up in gautier and now live in jackson. my parents just built on the water and are understandably worried. i've been at work, trying to find updated info on the internet, and really couldn't. until i found your blog. i'm

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095277333679347952004-09-15T14:40:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:42:13.680-05:00

From Margaret Baker in Jackson County: The three Red Cross approved shelters in Jackson County were over capacity by 2 p.m. today, though emergency management officials said they weren't turning anyone away. An estimated 1,200 residents were in the three shelters approved for safety by the Red Cross. Joanne Anderson, public information officer at the Emergency Operations Center, said 400-plus

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095277097483985682004-09-15T14:35:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:38:17.483-05:00

From Jackson, Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s statewide network of radio stations has started extended coverage of Hurricane Ivan. MPB news, public affairs and radio staff will provided the latest weather and emergency preparedness and response information from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. - until as Hurricane Ivan approaches the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Mississippi

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095276845620227942004-09-15T14:27:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:34:05.620-05:00

Two reports from Sun Herald staffers, the first from Pam Firmin: Pam and her family left South Mississippi heading north about 10 a.m. Wednesday and got to Columbia -- normally about an hour's drive away -- in about 3.5 hours. All roads north are still heavily congested as residents continue to evacuate and Ivan gets closer. The Firmins chose to return to the Coast, rather than get caught on

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095275856953970822004-09-15T14:16:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:17:36.953-05:00

More from Margaret Baker: A flood warning has been issued for the Escatawpa River near the Orange Grove community east of Moss Point. Joanne Anderson, public information officer at the Emergency Operations Center in Pascagoula, said that the river is expected to rise above the 8-feet flood level by 7 p.m. tonight. The river is forecast to crest at 8.5 feet at 7 a.m. Thursday. Anderson said the

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095275692380717592004-09-15T14:14:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:14:52.380-05:00

The aforementioned Maragaret Baker also reports: Waves started picking up by 11 a.m. Wednesday in Pascagoula, with water starting to seep over the seawall onto Beach Boulevard. Sand and some debris was starting to collect on the beachfront road, with strengthing winds already peeling back the shingles atop a gazebo at the foot of a pier. Some residents continued to stay in the area, many riding

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095275629442035992004-09-15T14:12:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:13:49.443-05:00

Margaret Baker, on of The Sun Herald's Jackson County reporters sends in this brief: Moss Point city officials have issued a mandatory curfew from 6 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Thursday. Police want residents in low-lying areas to seek shelter immediately in one of the approved shelter sites at: East Central High School, 21700 Slider Road, Hurley; St. Martin East Elementary School, 7508 Rose Farm

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8315998.post-1095275517666170062004-09-15T14:09:00.000-05:002004-09-15T14:11:57.666-05:00

Ayesha Kennedy sends in an e-mail relating something I'm sure a lot of evacuees are dealing with, that nagging feeling something's been left undone. I'm a nervous wreck! This is my first up close and personal hurricane. I lived in Baton Rouge, La., for the last four years up until June and now I live in Biloxi. I left my apartment at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning for Baton Rouge and made it in 2 hours

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00344289256190006332noreply@blogger.com