Vicksburg declares state of emergency for rising river

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Mayor George Flaggs Jr. has declared a state of emergency for the City of Vicksburg in response to rising Mississippi River levels, which are projected to possibly reach 48 feet by the weekend, well above the flood level of 43 feet.

The river is expected to continue to rise after heavy rainfall from this past weekend’s storms stalled along the Ohio and Lower Mississippi River watersheds.

Flaggs said he has been in communication with Warren County Emergency Management Director John Elfer and is monitoring updates on current and forecasted river conditions.

Public Works Director Dane Lovell has advised that city crews will begin staging and assembling flood wall sections in low-lying areas as a precautionary measure.

“I appreciate the timely updates from Mr. Elfer and the readiness and responsiveness of our Public Works Department,” Flaggs said. “We are taking the necessary steps to stay ahead of this situation and ensure the safety of our residents.”

The city will continue to monitor river levels and provide updates through official channels.

The gauge for the Mississippi River in Vicksburg is 1.6 miles downstream from the mouth of the Yazoo Diversion Canal. The current record flood stage for Vicksburg is 57.1 feet, which was reached on May 19, 2011.

For more information, contact Mayor George Flaggs Jr. at 601-942-0492.