Afternoon update: Mississippi Power ready for 1-2 punch from Marco, Laura

Monday afternoon update

Tropical storm warnings and storm surge warnings were lifted for Coastal Mississippi as Mario continued to weaken and move westward.

Gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and lingering coastal flooding are expected from Marco along portions of the Gulf Coast through this evening.

Tropical storm wind and surge watches or warnings are likely to be issued for portions of the northern Gulf Coast later today for Tropical Storm Laura, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall in southwest Louisiana Wednesday evening as a category 2 storm.

Updated at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 to reflect the changes in both tropical systems.

Mississippi Power activated its Storm Center on Monday at 5 a.m., with limited personnel due to COVID-19, as the northern Gulf Coast braces for a 1-2 punch from Marco and Laura that are forecast to make landfall this week.

Both storms are predicted to track to the Louisiana coast – Marco later today and Laura early Thursday morning – but employees are remaining alert for changes in the paths of both storms.

“A lot of work has been done last week and over the weekend, so we are set up for a successful response should it be needed,” said Vice President of Customer Service and Operations Fran Forehand. “It’s far better to be prepared and not need it, than to need it and not be prepared. We have seen many examples that these storms can cause significant damage miles away from where landfall takes place, so everyone should follow the plans we have in place, so we can safely meet the needs of our customers.”

The company is also arranging for resources from Georgia Power and Alabama Power for restoration assistance, if necessary.

Marco strengthened into a hurricane on Sunday before weakening back into a Tropical Storm Sunday night. Gusty winds and heavy rainfall are expected along parts of the Gulf Coast later today.

Mississippi’s three coastal counties are under a tropical storm warning. Hancock County and Harrison County are currently under a storm surge warning and Jackson County is under a storm surge watch. This means tropical storm conditions and life-threatening rising water are possible in the warning areas within the next 36 hours.

Laura is expected to move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday morning and reach hurricane strength. It has the potential to strengthen to a category 2 hurricane before landfall.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 188,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

###