Mississippi coast pounded by Isaac

BILOXI, Miss. (WALA) - The Mississippi Gulf Coast has endured wind gusts up to 70 mph, tornado warnings, sheets of rain and a hurricane watch for the last several hours.  It’s the type of weather many locals know are familiar with.

“It’s normal for us. We've been here for 17 years; and every year, we get one. And we just live through it,” said Nathan Leblanc.

Even still, Isaac took some people by surprise. Many people from Biloxi sought shelter at Harrison Central High School early Wednesday.

Photos: Isaac impacts Coastal Mississippi

"We are from Biloxi, over there near the Grand Casino. And it floods real bad over there, so we come over here for shelter,” said Barbara Moore.

Officials later said a tornado was spotted in the Gulfport area.

The conditions have some worried about people who may not have a place to go.

“I'm very concerned about the homeless. I brought several homeless people here with me today. So they could be out of the woods,” said Christene Brice.

Harrison Central allowed pets to stay in a separate area. They said  22 dogs, 12 cats and one mouse was brought in.

Locals could be found hunkered down in their homes or outside documenting the severe weather.

"I guess just put it on YouTube. Let my family know we did okay in the storm,” said one Biloxi resident.

A curfew is in effect in Biloxi, no word when it will be lifted.