Moss Point Local Emergency Declared Ahead of Storm

The City of Moss Point has declared a local emergency ahead of a projected tropical disturbance expected to bring heavy rain, high tides, strong winds, and flooding to the area starting around noon on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Mayor Billy E. Knight, Sr. and Interim Fire Chief David Eaker issued the proclamation to help keep residents safe and protect property as the system approaches the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

What the proclamation says

The declaration finds that conditions of extreme peril have a high probability of arising within the city, caused by a tropical disturbance that is likely to produce excessive rain, high tides, and winds, causing flooding in various areas of Moss Point. The emergency was proclaimed under Section 33-15-17(c) of the Mississippi Code of 1972, and attested by City Clerk Tricia Thigpen.

Under the proclamation, all city agencies and departments will render assistance and carry out their responsibilities as set out in the city’s Emergency Operations Plan. The Board of Aldermen will review the need to continue the emergency at its next meeting, and every thirty days after that, until the danger has passed and the emergency is formally ended.

What the Moss Point local emergency means for residents

A local emergency gives the City the authority to move quickly. It allows departments to coordinate, position equipment, and direct resources where they are needed most as the weather develops. For residents, it is a clear signal to take the threat seriously and to prepare now, before the rain and tides arrive.

Flooding is a familiar challenge in Moss Point, which sits where the Escatawpa and Pascagoula Rivers meet. Low-lying streets and riverfront neighborhoods tend to see water first, so families in those areas should pay close attention and be ready to act early.

How to stay safe during the storm

The most important steps are to prepare before conditions worsen and to never underestimate moving water. A few simple actions can make a real difference:

• Build or refresh an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and batteries. The federal Ready.gov flood preparedness guide offers a full checklist.
• Charge phones and backup batteries now, and keep important documents in a waterproof bag.
• Move vehicles to higher ground and bring loose outdoor items inside so wind cannot turn them into hazards.
• Never drive or walk through flooded roads. As the National Weather Service reminds drivers through its Turn Around, Don’t Drown campaign, a foot of moving water can sweep away most vehicles.
• Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone who may need extra help.

In any life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away. For non-emergency fire matters, the Moss Point Fire Department can be reached at (228) 475-8848. Once it is safe to do so, residents can report downed limbs, blocked drains, or street flooding through the city’s Make Us Aware reporting portal.

Where to get official updates

Conditions can change quickly during a tropical system, so residents are encouraged to follow trusted sources rather than rumors. The City will share updates on its official Facebook page and at cityofmosspoint.org as the situation develops. For the latest forecast and tropical tracking, the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service provide official, up-to-the-minute information for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The City of Moss Point thanks residents for their patience and care as crews prepare for the storm. Stay alert, look out for one another, and remember that property can be replaced while lives cannot. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.