Harrison County on Mississippi's Gulf Coast was ground zero for Hurricane Katrina's catastrophic storm surge in 2005. Gulfport and Biloxi experienced surge heights of 28 feet — the highest ever recorded in the United States at the time. The surge traveled up to 6 miles inland, destroying virtually everything in its path. Over 230 people died in Harrison County alone during Katrina.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 9 / 10 Critical Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Storm Surge |
| Secondary Hazard | Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone VE (Critical Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 68 |
| Last Major Event | Hurricane Katrina (2005) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 3–4 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (228) 865-4002 |
| Emergency Shelters | 22 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-10 West, I-10 East, US-49 North, US-90 East |
// County Profile
| County | Harrison County MS |
| State | Mississippi (MS) |
| Population | 208,989 |
| Area | 580 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone VE (Critical Risk) |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Mississippi Counties
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.