Published on: September 11, 2024, 06:05h. 

Last updated on: September 11, 2024, 06:05h.

A limited number of betting establishment facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast closed temporarily due to a Category 2 hurricane that was expected to reach the coast on Wednesday night.

By 5 p.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Francine had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, as per the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

After making landfall, the center is projected to move across southeastern Louisiana tonight, then head northward across Mississippi on Thursday and Thursday night,” the NHC forecasted on Wednesday afternoon.

Coushatta Casino Shutdown

The severe weather caused Kinder, La.’s Coushatta Casino Resort to shut down for part of Wednesday and Thursday.

To ensure the safety of our guests and associates during Hurricane Francine, Coushatta Casino Resort will temporarily close, effective Wednesday … at 2 am,” the gaming property said in a statement.

“We look forward to seeing you when we re-open on Thursday … at noon or when conditions are deemed safe to do so,” casino officials informed guests.

On Wednesday, the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, located in Bay St. Louis, Miss., also closed its table games, the Jubilee Buffet, Blue Bayou, valet service, and the gift shop. Normal operations are expected to resume on Thursday.

Additionally, the Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino, also in Bay St. Louis, will temporarily suspend operations on Wednesday.

Mississippi Curfews

In Gulfport, Miss., a curfew was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Mayor Billy Hewes. It is expected to end at 6 a.m. Thursday. Restaurants, stores, and other establishments will be closed.

During this time, people’s movement will be limited, and no one will be allowed on public streets or property except emergency personnel,” as per the mayor’s announcement.

Also, in Bay St. Louis and Waveland, curfews will be in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday, according to the Sun Herald, a Mississippi news source.

Flooding in New Orleans is possible. CNN reported that four to eight inches of rain are expected. Flights were canceled at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

A flood watch was issued for the Louisiana coast. A storm surge warning was also issued for Lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain, both in Louisiana, according to weather reports.

Furthermore, tornado threats were a possibility in Mobile, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville, Ala.; Tallahassee, Fla., and Tupelo, Miss., as reported by AccuWeather.