PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed), Hurricane Isaias has moved farther east overnight. Still, Choctaw leaders say people in Tribal Communities should get ready for rain and strong winds tonight.
The Choctaw Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) shared the update Friday, Oct. 9. The agency is watching the storm closely as it nears the Gulf Coast.
Storm moves east
Forecasters now expect Isaias to make landfall near Pensacola, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane. After landfall, the storm should turn north and move inland.
CEMA says this shift is good news for the area. The worst of the storm should stay east of the Tribal Communities. The tornado threat has also moved east. CEMA no longer expects tornadoes to affect Tribal Communities.
However, CEMA warns that the area will not escape the storm completely.
Tropical Storm Warning in place
The National Weather Service has placed most Tribal Communities under a Tropical Storm Warning. Standing Pine and Red Water are not included in the warning. The Henning, Tennessee, community will not see any effects from the storm.
The warning means strong, steady winds and sudden gusts are possible. These winds could knock down tree limbs and make roads dangerous. They could also cause short power outages.
When will the storm hit?
The worst weather should arrive between midnight tonight and noon Saturday, Oct. 10.
What should you do?
CEMA has a simple message for families: “Stay home, sleep in, and stay safe!”
If you do not need to travel Saturday morning, CEMA asks you to stay home until after noon. Check the weather and road conditions before you leave.
CEMA also suggests these steps:
- Charge your phones tonight.
- Bring in or tie down loose items in your yard.
- Get ready in case your power goes out.
- Check on elderly neighbors and family members.
Stay alert
CEMA says the eastward track is encouraging. But hurricanes can change quickly, and conditions can shift without much warning. The agency asks everyone to keep an eye on the weather and take simple safety steps.
CEMA will keep watching Hurricane Isaias through the night. The agency will share new updates as needed.
Queen City Newsfeed will continue to follow this storm and bring you the latest updates.
