River Will Crest, Fall, and Crest Again!

The National Weather Service has looked at the 16-day rainfall forecast and it looks like the River will fall five feet in the next two weeks after cresting on the 10th at 51.5 feet.  But then it could rebound right back up five feet in the next 3 to 4 weeks to these same crest levels we are currently experiencing.

The Backwater levels are at their worst since the Backwater Flood of 1973.

The impact of the Mississippi River falling and then rising again over the next few weeks is that the drainage structures will not be able to open and release the waters they are currently holding.  With this being the worst backwater flood in almost 50 years many areas of Vicksburg are underwater and will remain so for at least another month.  Residents of Eagle Lake have been forced to travel all the way to Onward before they can catch a road to Vicksburg.  The extra travel time has the residents in a no-win scenario.  Safety has to be the number one concern but the huge amount of wildlife forced into a small area has made many roads hazardous.  Anyone traveling that road is urged to consider a displaced animal – including bears – may move onto the roadway at any time.  The animals are frightened and acting in irregular ways.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspectors are inspecting the levee and will continue to inspect throughout the duration of the historic high water event.  To date, no major issues have been found.