State officials keeping wary eye on Bonnie

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST — Gov. Haley Barbour and several state agencies are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Bonnie moving through the Gulf of Mexico toward the Gulf Coast, and are urging residents to prepare for potential landfall.

“This storm system may bring strong winds, heavy rain and possible storm surge to Mississippi’s coastline, and I urge everyone to take the proper precautions to protect their homes and businesses,” Barbour said. “We are closely watching the storm and its potential impact on oil spill response operations.”

Forecasters currently predict Bonnie will move toward Mississippi or Louisiana in the next few days. Landfall is forecast early Sunday morning.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Departments of Environmental Quality and Marine Resources are making necessary preparations, according to the Governor’s Office.