MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS URGED TO REMAIN ALERT AS HURRICANE ISAIAS APPROACHES; SHELTERS OPEN IN MULTIPLE SOUTHERN COUNTIES

JACKSON, Miss., Oct. 9 -- The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency issued the following news:

Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the Florida Panhandle later this evening Friday, October 9, into early Saturday, October 10. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is reminding residents across the state to remain alert and take necessary precautions now.

"We are encouraging residents to make their final preparations today," said MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. "Gas up your vehicles, secure outdoor property, fully charge all electronic devices and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Make sure you have plenty of drinking water, nonperishable foods, medications, important documents and most i...