Near-record flooding expected in Mississippi

Near-record flooding is expected in Mississippi in the coming days, officials warned. 

The National Weather Service in Jackson, Miss., tweeted Sunday that the Pear River in Jackson is at 36.42 feet and rising. 

The river has not been this high since 1983, the National Weather Service added. 

The river is expected to crest on Monday at 37.5 feet.

The Pearl River at Jackson is currently at 36.42 ft and rising. This area has not seen the river this high since 1983 (37 years ago).

It is forecast to crest on Monday at 37.5 ft. #PearlFlood2020 pic.twitter.com/5Txo48ZKX9

— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) February 16, 2020

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said Sunday that “it will be days before we are out of the woods and water start to recede.” 

“We expect water to stay in the area for 2-3 days, with rain throughout the week,” Reeves tweeted, adding that residents should follow the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency on Twitter as well as local reports. 

“Protect yourself and your family — have a plan in place and evacuate if and when you are asked,” he said. 

We expect water to stay in the area for 2-3 days, with rain throughout the week. Please continue to follow @MSEMA on social media and tune into your local news for updates. Protect yourself and your family—have a plan in place and evacuate if and when you are asked. 2/3

— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) February 16, 2020

On Saturday, Reeves said the flooding was “historic” and “unprecedented,” and said it is projected to be the third-worst  in the state’s history.