Picayune city officials said Wednesday that all nonessential city personnel will remain home on Thursday, June 18, as Tropical Storm Arthur pushes inland, and that essential emergency, public works and public safety crews will remain on duty. Picayune Municipal Court at 5000 Wildwood Drive is canceled for Thursday, officials said.
The City Council declared a state of emergency Tuesday night to position the city to seek state or federal disaster assistance if needed, city officials said. Public Works crews are clearing catch basins and neighborhood drainage ditches, and all city parks closed Wednesday at noon until further notice. City leadership plans a briefing at 3 p.m. today following a 2 p.m. National Weather Service update, officials said.
An emergency saferoom at 501 Laurel Street is open until further notice for residents who feel unsafe or live in low-lying areas, the city said. Sandbags are available: prefilled bags at 309 Stephens Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and self-service stations opening at noon at Daniels Street Park, Leola Jordan Park (903 E. Canal Street), First United Pentecostal Church (123 Kendrick Lane) and 1206 Pinewood Drive. Residents must bring their own shovels and equipment; elderly or disabled residents may request drop-off assistance by emailing mmixon@picayune.ms.us.
For emergencies, dial 911. For nonemergency public safety dispatch, call Central Dispatch at 601-749-5482. Residents can report flood damage online at https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/pearlriverMS/request.html and sign up for alerts via the city’s Notify Me feature at www.picayune.ms.us, the city said.
Officials warned of localized tornadoes, high winds, heavy rain and rapid flash flooding overnight and said local creeks are expected to crest and may flood by Friday. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
