Rain and flooding from Hurricane Gustav are cutting off the main highways to towns along Mississippi's coast.

In Jackson County, authorities say some 15 roads are impassable due to high water. In southwest Mississippi near the Louisiana border, debris temporarily blocked Interstate 59 from Picayune to Poplarville.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency says the main highway into southern Hancock County, Mississippi 43, was closed due to flooding. In Harrison County, water swamped coastal U.S. Highway 90 with murky, debris filled water.

Thousands of power outages are being reported along the coast, and most of those are in Harrison County.

MDOT crews are working diligently to clear roads of debris and create detours from highways.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area and take an alternate route for travel.

Motorists may contact the Call Center hotline at 1-866-521-6368.