Hurricane prep guide for Harrison County

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Facts on this page come from the Harrison County Emergency Management Agency’s evacuations and shelters page and the City of Biloxi’s storm and flood preparedness page and June 2026 storm issue (PDF).

Hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, and it is not over yet: Hurricane Isaias approached the Mississippi coast on Oct. 9, 2026, when MDOT closed the coast’s drawbridges to marine traffic and the city opened its sandbag sites. Evacuation orders in Biloxi come from Harrison County and the state, by zone. The National Weather Service office in New Orleans/Baton Rouge issues the local forecasts and warnings; hurricane watches and warnings come from the National Hurricane Center.

Who to call

• Harrison County Emergency Management Agency: 228-865-4002
• City of Biloxi Storm Info Line (recorded updates): 228-435-6300
• Biloxi text alerts: text BILOXI to 77295 for B-Alert
• County alerts: sign up for HarCo Alert
• Evacuation ride (Coast Transit Authority): 866-206-8843
• Report storm damage to your property: Biloxi Community Development, 228-435-6280
• Official pages: Harrison County EMA and Biloxi storm preparedness

Know your zone

Harrison County uses three evacuation zones, A, B and C. An evacuation order names the zones that must leave. Find your address on the hurricane evacuation zones map (PDF) and plan your way out on the evacuation route map (PDF).

The city warns that bridges opening for boats can slow evacuation traffic, and that drawbridges stay closed to boats once sustained winds reach 35 mph. Buses and taxis stop running at sustained winds of 35 mph.

When a storm threatens

The city’s storm issue lays out what to expect:

• Up to five days out: the National Hurricane Center’s tropical weather outlooks show disturbances that could develop.
• Three or more days out: advisories every six hours. If Biloxi is in the cone, expect guidance from emergency managers.
• About 48 hours out (watch): local governments usually announce closures and may order evacuations of one or more zones.
• About 36 hours out (warning): shelter decisions and any curfew are usually announced. Finish storm prep and go somewhere safe.

Shelters

Harrison County says one or more of these sites may open as an emergency shelter. Which ones open depends on the storm, and openings are announced through HarCo Alert, local media, the county’s social media and its website. Shelters are a last resort.

If you go to a shelter, the city says to bring food and water for at least the first day, your own blankets (cots are not guaranteed), baby supplies, special-diet food and a two-week supply of medicine. No pets at typical shelters, and no firearms, alcohol or tobacco.

Need a ride? The Coast Transit Authority’s Hurricane Evacuation Transportation Program gives free rides out of harm’s way. Pre-register on the CTA registration page or at the CTA office, then call 866-206-8843 to confirm once an evacuation is ordered.

Sandbags

When heavy rain or a storm is coming, Biloxi opens self-service sandbag sites; bring your own shovel:

• Former Water Department building, 195 Main St.
• A.J. Holloway Sports Complex, 765 Wells Drive
• Biloxi Fire Station 9, 9370 Oaklawn Road

Before the season, and before the storm

From the county EMA’s hurricane checklist:

• Gas up your vehicles and get enough cash for a few days.
• Stock canned food, drinking water, medicine and batteries for radios and flashlights.
• Secure lawn furniture and board or shutter windows.
• Photograph or video your property and contents.
• Keep important papers in a waterproof container.
• Make plans for pets and for elderly or disabled family members.
• If you live in a mobile home or a low-lying area, plan to leave.

Check your flood insurance early: the city reminds residents that homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Flood zones are on the city’s flood map.

Sales tax holiday

Mississippi has no hurricane-supplies sales tax holiday. The state’s two 2026 holidays, on the Department of Revenue’s news page, covered clothing, shoes and school supplies July 10-12, and firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies Aug. 28-30.

After the storm

Report damage to your property to Biloxi Community Development at 228-435-6280 to schedule an inspection. Get a city building permit before repairs, and ask any contractor for a City of Biloxi license card. The city warns against paying money up front. Power outage help is in our power outages guide.

What this means for you

• Look up your zone now, before a storm.
• Sign up for B-Alert and HarCo Alert.
• Make a plan for pets; shelters will not take them.

More guides: power outages in Biloxi, road construction and closures and who to call at City Hall.

Frequently asked questions

What hurricane evacuation zone am I in in Biloxi?

Harrison County uses three zones, A, B and C. Find your address on the county’s hurricane evacuation zones map, which the City of Biloxi also posts on its storm preparedness page.

Where are hurricane shelters in Harrison County?

The county lists 14 sites that may open, including North Bay Elementary, 1825 Popps Ferry Road, and North Woolmarket Elementary/Middle, 16237 Old Woolmarket Road, in Biloxi. Which ones open depends on the storm; the county announces openings through HarCo Alert and local media.

Where can I get sandbags in Biloxi?

When a storm threatens, the city sets up self-service sandbags (bring your own shovel) at the former Water Department building, 195 Main St.; the A.J. Holloway Sports Complex, 765 Wells Drive; and Fire Station 9, 9370 Oaklawn Road.

Can I bring my pet to a hurricane shelter in Harrison County?

Not to a typical public shelter. Both the county and the city say pets are not allowed and advise making arrangements for pets ahead of time.

Does Mississippi have a hurricane sales tax holiday?

No. Mississippi’s 2026 sales tax holidays covered back-to-school items in July and firearms and hunting supplies in August, not storm supplies.