Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Zeta’s track remains steady without much change. Below are key messages from the 11 a.m. update with Forrest County Emergency Management.
- Be off the roads by 5 p.m. Regardless of what category hurricane Zeta makes landfall at, the Pine Belt area is expected to receive tropical-storm-force winds beginning at 5 p.m. Attached is a wind-timing graphic.
- The City of Hattiesburg and Forrest County offices will close at 2 p.m., with the exception of public safety, dispatch and certain storm-preparation crews.
- Hub City Transit will stop routes by 5 p.m.
- Sheltering is available at 946 Sullivan Drive beginning at 2 p.m. If transportation is needed, residents in the City of Hattiesburg can call 601-545-4500 and those in Forrest County can call the Sheriff’s Department at 601-544-7800.
- Masks are required at the shelter and COVID-19 precautions will be taken for all who seek shelter at this facility.
- Additionally – in partnership with MEMA, DHS and the MS National Guard – rapid COVID-19 testing will be available to all at the shelter. It is optional. However, should someone test positive, they will take shelter in a separate designated safe room within the shelter.
- In preparation for wind gusts in excess of 85mph, all residents should bring in anything that can be a projectile during high winds. This includes garbage cans, patio furniture and Halloween decorations.
- Masks and sandbags are still available at the following locations:
- Forrest Co. EOC (4080 US Hwy 11, Hattiesburg)
- Fire Station #1 (810 Main Street, Hattiesburg)
- Petal Fire Station (102 Fairchild Drive, Petal)
Prior to Noon on Wednesday, October 28, the following storm preparations took place:
On Tuesday, October 27, Mayor Toby Barker and Forrest County Board of Supervisors President David Hogan signed a declaration of emergency in advance of Zeta’s impact on our area. Emergency declarations are signed in advance of storms as a precaution to aid relief and recovery efforts should a storm impact an area where such is needed.
City crews cleared drains and picked up heavy debris to alleviate any flooding that might accompany Zeta’s forecasted rainfall. Standard storm precautions and preparations for debris clearing, tree removal and other services have also been taken should they be needed.
For the most current updates, residents and media partners are encouraged to follow the City’s social media channels on Facebook at /CityofHattiesburg or Twitter at @Hattiesburg_MS. Additional static updates will be placed in the Online Storm Center.
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