Coushatta Casino Closure
The nasty weather led Kinder, La.’s Coushatta Casino Resort to be closed 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 a.m.,” 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 told guests.
On Wednesday, the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, located in Bay St. Louis, Miss., temporarily shuttered its table games, the Jubilee Buffet, Blue Bayou, valet service, and the gift shop. Normal operations will likely resume on Thursday. Also, the Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino, also located in Bay St. Louis, will close temporarily on Wednesday.
Curfews in Mississippi
In Gulfport, Miss., a curfew was to take effect starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Mayor Billy Hewes. It’s likely to be lifted at 6 a.m. Thursday. Restaurants, stores, and other businesses will close their doors.
“During this period, people’s movement will be restricted, and no one will be allowed on public streets or property except for emergency personnel,” according to the mayor’s statement. Also, in Bay St. Louis and Waveland, curfews will be in place between 10 p.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday, according to the *Sun Herald*, a Mississippi news outlet.
In addition, New Orleans may face floods. Four to eight inches of rainfall are likely, CNN reported. Flights were canceled at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. A flood watch was put into effect for the Louisiana coastline, too. A storm surge warning was issued for Lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain, both in Louisiana, according to weather forecasts. Tornado threats were possible in Mobile, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville, Ala.; Tallahassee, Fla., and Tupelo, Miss., AccuWeather reported.
Hurricane Francine’s Impact on Casino Operations
In addition to the Gulf Coast casinos, many businesses across the southeastern U.S. are taking precautionary measures due to the expected impact of Hurricane Francine. While the storm is forecasted to weaken as it moves inland, the potential for significant damage from flooding and wind remains high. Several casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues are either closed or operating with reduced hours to ensure the safety of both employees and visitors.
Flooding and Storm Surge Concerns
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that the heavy rainfall accompanying Hurricane Francine could lead to life-threatening flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas near rivers and along the coast. A storm surge warning remains in effect for much of the Gulf Coast, with the potential for water levels to rise by as much as four to six feet in certain areas. This could impact not only coastal casinos but also infrastructure critical to their operations, such as roads and utilities.
Preparations and Evacuations
Several counties in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama issued voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders for residents in vulnerable areas. Emergency shelters have been set up, and local authorities have urged residents to heed warnings and evacuate if necessary. In some cases, casino employees are assisting with local evacuation efforts, helping to ensure that guests and nearby residents have safe passage away from the storm’s path.
Potential Economic Impact
The temporary closure of casinos and other businesses is expected to result in significant short-term revenue losses for the affected areas. However, these measures are critical to protecting the safety of patrons and staff. Many casinos have comprehensive disaster recovery plans in place to facilitate a swift reopening once the storm passes, ensuring they can resume operations as quickly as possible. The broader economic impact will largely depend on the extent of the storm’s damage, particularly to infrastructure and property.
As the storm continues to move inland, the focus will shift toward cleanup and recovery efforts in the days ahead.
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