The City of Vicksburg has announced preparations in the event Hurricane Francine causes a significant weather event in Warren County over the next two days, including opening the Ardis T. Williams Sr. Auditorium as an emergency shelter.

City officials announced Wednesday morning the auditorium, located at 901 Monroe St., will be open as a shelter for the next 72 hours. Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said first responders are also on high alert as the storm nears the area.

“We have been closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Francine, and I want to assure the citizens of Vicksburg that we are ready to respond swiftly to the impacts of the storm,” Flaggs said. “The Vicksburg Fire Department, police department and public works are on standby, ready to deploy resources as necessary.”

Wednesday morning, Warren County Emergency Management Agency Director John Elfer said the storm has shifted slightly to the east, which may lessen its impact on the area, but expects the worst of the rain and wind to arrive in Warren County between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m Thursday.

Tuesday, Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps announced additional vehicles and manpower will be at the ready over the next several days in order to properly respond to any uptick in medical, fire or weather-damage emergencies.

“Our priority is the safety of our citizens,” Flaggs said. “We ask that everyone remain vigilant and heed the warnings from authorities. Together, we’ll get through this storm as a community.”

For more information, visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website at https://www.msema.org/. Flaggs may be reached by phone at 601-942-0942.