The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that the upcoming category 1 hurricane moving towards the coast of Biloxi may cause “extreme life-threatening flash flooding likely through Wednesday.”

“Responding to these events typically requires quick reaction, so it is important that personnel and equipment are always prepared and ready to deploy when needed,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Howell, 223rd Engineer Battalion commander to Military Times.

NOAA warned that the coast from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle could see “historic flooding” of up to 30 inches.

As the hurricane approached, the armed services began closing installations commissaries and other services while opening shelters and coordinating with local and state agencies in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Photo by Army Pfc. Arcadia Jackson, Florida Army National Guard