Sheriff Pace addresses Big Black River flooding and Warriors Trail closure

Warrior’s Trail is currently impassable due to the rising waters of the Big Black River.

The Big Black River has crested above Warriors Trail, causing the County Road Department to close access. (Photo by Kelley Branch)

The Big Black River has flooded across the gravel section of Warriors Trail, just before its intersection with Highway 80. Barricades have been placed to alert traffic to the road’s closure.

“This is something that will happen two or three times a year,” said Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace. “This year it’s very deep and the current is very strong.”

Sheriff Pace is urging the public not to bypass the barricade. Due to the nature of the river, water levels rise and fall very rapidly.

Barricades and signage has been put in place to alert travelers to the closure. (Photo by Kelley Branch)

An estimated time for the reopening of the road is unknown at this time.

“The Big Black is very dependent on the rain through central Mississippi,” said Sheriff Pace. “A heavy day or two of rain can cause it to rise several feet overnight.”

The Warren County Road Department has been monitoring the roadway and chose to close it Sunday night. Since then the water levels have risen significantly.