NATCHEZ — A gas leak at State and Commerce streets forced the evacuation of three or four houses in the 500 block of State Street at approximately 6 a.m. today, officials said.

Adams County Director of Emergency Services Robert Bradford said the evacuation was a precautionary measure due to the strong odor of natural gas.

“Atmos is here,” Bradford said. “They are digging it up, and we are going to cap it off.”

Bradford said people are advised to avoid the intersection while the work is underway, which he anticipated would take approximately four to six hours.

“Stay out of the work area until we get it done,” Bradford said.