Governor Haley Barbour declared a State of Emergency for the South Mississippi counties that will be impacted by severe tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico.

The counties affected include: George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Marion, Pearl River and Stone counties and other affected areas.

PEARL – Six years ago Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast with 135 mph winds and up to 30 foot storm surges that killed 238 people. Today the recovery and rebuilding process continues for many Mississippians. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Womack is asking residents to make sure they are prepared for the next storm as they remember Katrina.

“The first thing people need is a plan to know if they will need to evacuate their home and where they will go,” said Womack.  “Saving lives is our top priority.

WLOX Meteorolgist Mike Reader said tropical storm Emiy is no more. The poorly organized tropical storm formed Monday, August 1 in the Carribbean.

"The storm broke up over the high terrain of Hispinola. With no circulation the system is now a tropical wave. There is no mention of regeneration, but the wave will be moving into the Bahamas this weekend and bears watching," Reader said.