Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs has declared a state of emergency as the Mississippi River is projected to reach dangerous levels.
Flooding concerns were prompted when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasted that river levels could reach 48 feet by the weekend and rise as high as 48.5 feet by April 20. Levels were just under 31 feet at the most recent reading late Monday morning. The flood stage for the Vicksburg is set at 43 feet.
Flaggs says his administration, along with public works officials and emergency management authorities, are closely monitoring the situation and making preparations in anticipation of levels reaching the flood stage.
“We are taking the necessary steps to stay ahead of this situation and ensure the safety of our residents,” Flaggs said in a press release Monday.
As part of precautionary measures, Vicksburg Public Work Director Dane Lovell said a flood wall is being installed to curb effects from potential flooding in areas particularly susceptible to major impact.
According to the National Weather Service, the last major flood occurred when the river crested at just over 57 feet in 2011, with major flooding expected to occur when water levels reach 50 feet.
Severe storms have brought continued rounds of heavy rainfall across the U.S., resulting in the Mississippi River heightening with levels expected to continue gradually rising. Flaggs said he and other officials will continue to keep a close eye on river levels throughout the next several weeks.
