[conservative in nyc]

Were the cities and towns such as Biloxi and Gulfport evacuated also?

I think there was an evacuation order for those areas, but I don't know whether it was mandatory or voluntary.

There's been less reporting about these areas because (1) the bulk of the MSM flocked to New Orleans when it looked like it would be taking a direct hit, and (2) Gulfport-Biloxi is a very small TV market in between 2 larger television markets (Mobile-Pensacola and New Orleans). Their 1 TV station with a working website, ABC affiliate WLOX reports:

WLOX has suffered roof damage due to the high winds of Hurricane Katrina. Some parts of the building are under a foot of water. Updates of storm coverage are being supplied from WLOX's sister stations.

Biloxi-Gulfport's Fox station, WXXV's website is down. And their WB station, WBH2, doesn't have a website, as far as I can tell.

WDAM (NBC) from Laurel and WHLT (CBS) from Hattiesberg (I can't find a website), are both north of Biloxi in the equally small Hattiesberg-Laurel market.

[WoodstockCat]

wjtv out of Jackson, MS reporting 75% damage to buildings in Biloxi/Gulfport, many buildings completely without roofs.

[Smogger]

Winds from Hurricane Katrina damage a building in Gulfport, Miss.

[Smogger]

Waves crash against a boat washed onto Highway 90 in Gulfport, Miss.