PEARL – More than 1,300 Hurricane Gustav evacuees have sought refuge in Mississippi as of 9 a.m. today, but the state still has several large shelters open and space for people seeking refuge from the storm.

People trying to evacuate the coastal counties today can stop in the following shelters:

Wilkinson County Industrial Complex in Woodville has 200 spaces.

Franklin County High School in Meadville has 100 spaces.

Smith County Agricultural Complex in Raleigh has 300 spaces

Lamar County’s Oakgrove Senior High School has 500 spaces.

City Auditorium in Waynesboro.

In the metro area Jackson’s Coliseum still had 50 spaces available early this morning and the Trademart has 150 spaces available. Combined these sites hold 1,570 individuals.

The Jackson fairgrounds can still take 200 small animals, but no more horses.

Tupelo has opened its coliseum this morning and it can hold 675 people seeking shelter.

If you intend to stay in a shelter please bring clothes, personal items, toys and entertainment for children, any medications you may need, etc.

To find out about more shelters call 211, Red Cross, or call MEMA’s Public Information Line at 866-519-MEMA or the Media line at 866-920-MEMA or visit www.msema.org.