Some Jackson residents to be evacuated due to rising Pearl River

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Some residents of northeast Jackson are being asked to evacuate as the Pearl River continues to rise.

The National Weather Service expects the river will crest at 38 feet this weekend, either late Saturday or early Sunday, two feet above the “major” flood stage of 36 feet and about 14 feet above normal. At 38 feet, numerous homes in northeast Jackson, as well as buildings in the downtown area, could be inundated.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba is urging residents who need help evacuating to call 311. The Jackson Police Training Academy at 3000 St. Charles St. will serve as a long-term shelter, the mayor said, and the American Red Cross will open shelters as needed.

Operators of the Ross Barnett Reservoir, located north of the city, say they will keep as much water as possible in the lake’s basin to avoid flooding in the city for as long as possible.

The infamous flood of ’79 in Jackson saw the Pearl cresting above 43 feet. (photo via NOAA)