By: Iris Barnes
PEARL, Miss. – Governor Phil Bryant has declared a state of emergency for Mississippi as Tropical Storm Isaac makes its way into the Gulf of Mexico.

“Isaac is predicted to strengthen and grow into a category two hurricane,” said Bryant at a Sunday press conference at the state Emergency Operations Center in Pearl. “It will make landfall late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. Tracking …now indicates it will come ashore near the state of Mississippi.”

Bryant says emergency responders are ready’ and he urged all residents to take personal responsibility. “This includes making sure your emergency supply kits are fully stocked. This should include water- one gallon per person, per day – non-perishable food, flash lights and batters, a first aid kit, and your identification.”

Hancock, Jackson, Harrison and Pearl River Counties are already under a Hurricane Warning. “That means hurricane force winds are possible in these areas within the next 48 hours,” said Bryant.

All coastal residents are advised to head evacuation orders, if and when, they are giving-and to expect power outages.

Several shelters are scheduled to open in Jackson County Monday afternoon. They include East Central High School, St. Martin High School and Vancleave High School. A shelter for special needs residents will be at East Central Community Center. Some shelters in Pearl River County will open early Tuesday.