Twin States Weather Blog

Recommendations...

* Our transmitter remains without power - and our studio is running at a greatly diminished capacity on a generator. So, we'll try to use this space to get some recommendations out for your benefit...Courtesy of Maureen Lofton and the City of Meridian...

***Without a serious curtailment in water usage, residents of Meridian will be without water by the end of the day. This is assuming power is not restored to the North Meridian Water Plant.

It is urgent that residents not use water unless absolutely necessary.***



***Because of the lack of power, the probability that it will not be restored tdoay and the shortage of water, the City of Meridian is asking all businesses to stay closed until at least Wednesday morning. Business owners may travel to their businesses to assess damage and secure their properties. All non-essential travel is restricted until further notice.

Medical personnel and emergency personnel continue to be excluded from this restriction. We realize some people may have special travel needs tomorrow and we will accommodate those travel needs that are reasonable.***



***The following message has been given to all police officers in vehicle patrols. They will be driving through neighborhoods delivering this message on the PA systems. This is critical information.

Please stay in your own homes.

Power is out throughout the city.

Emergency crews are working to restore power and clear streets.

They are working as fast as they can but it may be several days or longer before power is restored.

Please conserve water. Use water only when necessary.

On of our two plants cannot produce water because it has no power.

Businesses are not open.

It is dangerous for anyone to be out on the streets.

You can help by clearing debris in your own yard.

Stay off the streets and in your own homes where you are safe.



* Sadly, we have received word of at least one death in our area. A man in Meridian died after injuries sustained when a tree fell on him. There are reports of other deaths in our area, including one in Leake County and another in Newton County. Details are sketchy at this point due to poor communications.

* The loss of human life along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is already substantial. A sad, sad situation..."At least" 50 people are dead in Harrison County, with that number expected to rise. Can't help but be awfully sad about it - I can't understand why people didn't leave!

* Louisiana will also discover a large loss of life and property today. Mayor Ray Nagin says that 80% of New Orleans is under water. A levee breached there over night, and is spilling even more water into the city.

* Let's say a prayer for those affected by this storm. Truly a very trying time for many, many people...

posted by WTOK Weather Staff @ 7:37 AM