City prepares for Francine; Ardis T. Williams Sr. Auditorium opens as shelter, if needed – The Vicksburg Post

The city of Vicksburg announced preparations in case Hurricane Francine brings a significant weather event to Warren County over the next two days, including opening the Ardis T. Williams Sr. Auditorium as an emergency shelter.

City officials announced Wednesday morning that the auditorium, located at 901 Monroe St., would be open as a shelter for the next 72 hours. Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said first responders were also on alert as the storm approached the area.

“We are closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Francine and I want to assure the citizens of Vicksburg that we are prepared to respond quickly to the storm’s impacts,” Flaggs said. “The Vicksburg Fire Department, Police Department and Public Works are on standby, ready to deploy resources if needed.”

Warren County Emergency Management Agency Director John Elfer said Wednesday morning the storm had shifted slightly eastward, which could lessen its impact on the area, but he expects the worst of the rain and wind to arrive in Warren County between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday.

On Tuesday, Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps announced that additional vehicles and manpower will be on standby in the coming days to properly respond to any increase in medical, fire or weather-related emergencies.

“Our priority is the safety of our citizens,” Flaggs said. “We ask everyone to remain vigilant and heed the warnings of authorities. Together, we will weather this storm as a community.”

For more information, visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website at https://www.msema.org/. Flaggs can be reached by phone at 601-942-0942.