CANTON, Miss. (WJTV) – The City of Canton issued an emergency proclamation ahead of Hurricane Francine.

On Wednesday, Canton Mayor William Truly encouraged residents to have plenty of food, water and flashlights for the next few days.

“One, we have contacted the Red Cross. Two, we have opened a shelter, which is at the Multipurpose Complex. Three, we will put our emergency team on notice, and they are remarkably well prepared,” said Truly.

The mayor said the city’s $23 million flood prevention project should be complete in 2027 or 2028.