NATCHEZ — As a tropical weather system approaches the Gulf, now is the time to begin preparations, Emergency Management Director Stan Owens said.

The storm — remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston — was approaching the Leeward Islands Monday with a 70 percent chance of becoming a tropical storm again, according to National Weather Service reports.

It’s far too early to really worry, Owens said, but it’s never too early to be prepared.

“We are right in what I call those active four weeks,” Owens said, referring to a time period when tropical storms and hurricanes have traditionally hit the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico.

Five years ago Hurricane Katrina struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and two years ago Hurricane Gustav wreaked havoc in the Miss-Lou.

“You should have water supply for everyone at your house,” Owens said. “We say the first 72 is on you. Everyone just needs to make sure they are prepared.”

A storm-readiness kit should include essential medications, canned goods and food with a long shelf life, cash, flashlights, toiletries and a weather radio.

County residents can sign up for Code Red — an emergency storm warning system that will call a designated phone number when storms approach — by calling the Emergency Management Office at 601-442-7021 or visiting www.adamscountyms.gov.

Tropical Storm Gaston fell apart late last week, but the remnants have moved along, gaining a bit of force. Monday, NWS reported that environmental conditions would become more conducive for storm development in the next 48 hours.