Governor Bryant expected to declare State of Emergency for Columbus & Lowndes County

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI)- As of Sunday, over 20 counties have made local proclamations declaring a state of emergency.

In Lowndes County, State and local emergency response officials met at the EMA office in Columbus Sunday morning to discuss a plan of action.

MEMA Director Greg Michel says road crews are currently in the process of assessing the damage.

He also says Governor Phil Bryant has been in contact with city officials.

“I spoke with the governor earlier today and he expresses his concerns about the damage here. He will sign a state of emergency tomorrow. From there we’ll move out and do our damage assessments and if we meet the required thresholds for that then we’ll be seeking federal assistance at that time,” said Michel.

Mayor Robert Smith says he wants residents to know city leaders are doing everything they can to get assistance people need.

Michel says the biggest issue emergency officials are facing is people coming to look at the damage.

He is asking anyone who doesn’t live in the affected areas to please stay out.