Although the projection for Gustav has moved westerly into Louisiana, forecasters and local emergency officials warn the track could just as easily move back towards the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Also, with the storm on the current track, New Orleans will be evacuated with Louisiana requesting controflo on I-59 and I-55 as early as Friday.

Emergency officials still urge local residents to prepare as if a major hurricane was heading towards Mississippi. Even if the storm has no direct impact on the Pine Belt, Laurel, Ellisville, and the surrounding area could still be packed with people evacuating from the Gulf Coast.

Area hotels are booked and many retail outlets are running low on emergency supplies. Some stores, however, do plan to restock.

Attorney General Mike Moore has sent out a statement warning business owners about price gouging. He said people who do take advantage of customers will face prison sentences.

Gov. Haley Barbour is expected to declare a state of emergency Thursday afternoon.

The Leader-Call will have more information in Friday's newspaper. Also, updates will be found online or through text messaging and e-mail alerts when needed.

Don McKinnon, Jones County Emergency Operations Center director, said people should prepare even if there is a slight threat because another storm could impact the area even if Gustav doesn't.

Tropical Storm Hanna is expected to become a hurricane within a couple of days. Early projections from at least one source have that storm heading towards Florida and eventually into the Gulf of Mexico.