Tropical Storm Gordon has reached Mississippi as rain begins to fall and winds begin to intensify on the coast.
? Tropical Storm #Gordon is making landfall just west of the Alabama-Mississippi border. https://t.co/JQKVtS8lku
— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) September 5, 2018
While the storm may fall short of a category 1 hurricane, it will bring potentially life threating conditions. The storm is expected to create winds up to 70 mph along with heavy rainfall.
Prior to its arrival on the coast, the storm strengthened and reached 70 mph of sustained winds.
Tropical Storm #Gordon has strengthened a little, with max winds now at 70 mph. Conditions will continue to deteriorate as it approaches the coast and makes landfall tonight. @TWCAlexWilson, @mikebettes and @DrRickKnabb are LIVE as our 24/7 coverage continues. pic.twitter.com/GdDLfZl4kX
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) September 4, 2018
The storm sustained that speed as it reached Mississippi’s shores tonight.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Gordon has made landfall just west of the Alabama/Mississippi border with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and a minimum central pressure of 997 mb.
— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) September 5, 2018
Governor Bryant has declared a state of emergency for the counties on the coast, which will make state resources and personnel available.
The coast is expected to receive the worst of the storm with 3-5 feet storm surges and damaging winds. Flash flooding is also expected throughout the night. If you have not already done so, make sure you prepare a ‘hurricane safety kit’ with flashlights, batteries, water, snacks, a radio and other essentials.
The storm is likely to cause power outages across the state, so add whatever you feel you may need if you lose electricity.
Residents across central Mississippi also need to prepare for Gordon’s impact. While it may not reach the central part of the state until Wednesday, it’s never too early to be prepared. The storm may weaken before it arrives, but heavy rain will remain.
The conditions around the state will also increase the potential for tornados.
News Mississippi will be updating this story throughout the night as Gordon reaches land.
