PEARL — Ida has lost some of its strength and has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm warning, effecting portions of the Gulf Coast including Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties.

Currently, Ida has wind gusts of 65 miles per hour and tides are expected to ramp up later this evening. Harrison and Hancock counties can expect 2 to 3 feet above normal, while Jackson can expect at least three to five above normal tides.

Between 2 to 4 inches of rain can also be expected along the Mississippi Coast.

Although Ida has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, the main threats from Ida still linger: heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surges along the coast and the possibility of some damage.

“One of my main concerns is that people will not take this storm seriously now that it has shown signs of weakening,” said MEMA Director Mike Womack. “Tropical storms are still capable of producing flooding rains and damaging winds and Ida has already proven to be a tough storm to predict.”

Residents who live in low lying areas of the coast and whose homes are vulnerable to high winds are encouraged to begin preparing their homes according to their hurricane disaster plan.

Residents should also continue to monitor the local media in case of any possible changes in Ida’s possible warnings and be ready to comply with any orders and prepare to evacuate if advised by local officials. If necessary, shelters will be available.

MEMA will continue to release updated information about Tropical Storm Ida as they develop.

For more information on tropical weather preparedness, visit MEMA’s Web site at www.msema.org.