COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) — Emergency management officials in Lowndes County are preparing for impacts from Hurricane Isaias, which is expected to move up the Alabama-Mississippi border Friday and Saturday.

By the time Isaias reaches the area, it is expected to weaken to a tropical storm or tropical depression. Officials say the threat should still not be taken lightly.

Forecast impacts

The WTVA Severe Weather Authority is forecasting wind gusts of up to 50-60 mph Saturday morning. Several inches of rain are also likely across the area.

Officials from fire, police, road departments and other agencies will staff the Lowndes County EMA Operations Center during the storm, working from stations equipped with computers and radios to respond to emergencies.

Safety preparations

Lowndes County Emergency Director Cindy Lawrence urged residents to prepare in advance.

“If you don’t have any weather apps or your radio, download them now on your cell phones. Make sure you have notifications on if there is severe weather in our area. And just make sure you know where our storm shelters are, here in Lowndes County. Make sure you know the routes to get there. If there is water on the roadway, turn around, don’t drown,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence said she will begin early both Friday and Saturday and will continue monitoring the forecast for changes.

If the forecast worsens or damage occurs in the county, she said she will call officials together to develop a plan.

She also said some members of her office could be called to the coast by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.