More than a dozen river gauges have risen above flood stage around Mississippi including in the capital city after several days of heavy rainfall.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the Pearl River in Jackson had risen to 29.11 feet as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday after surpassing its flood stage of 28 feet on Wednesday. The river is forecast to continue to rise before cresting at around 31 feet on Monday.
At 31 feet, flood waters from the Pearl River begin to back up into several creeks and streams in Jackson with water under and approaching homes and businesses in the Byram area.
This is the second time in recent weeks that the Pearl River has risen above flood stage. The river reached a high of 32 feet on Jan. 21, before falling below flood stage a few days later.
Other river gauges above flood stage include the Pearl River near Philadelphia, at Edinburg, at Rockport, near Monticello, near Carthage and near Columbia; the Big Black River at West, near Bovina and near Bentonia; the Tuscolameta Creek at Walnut Grove; the Chickasawhay River at Enterprise and at Leaksville; the Tallahala Creek at Laurel; the Leaf River near McLain; and the Pascagoula River at Merril.
Most of these rivers are experiencing minor to moderate flooding but are forecast to crest by late weekend.
Much of Mississippi received in excess of three to six inches of rainfall from Sunday into early on Wednesday, according to the NWS.
The NWS says with another storm system expected to impact the state with heavy rainfall late Monday, more significant flood problems could develop on area rivers.
"Storms with locally heavy rain may develop along and ahead of a cold front. Considering the elevated river levels and nearly saturated soils, flooding will be possible," the NWS said.
Everyone should stay updated on the latest weather information as it becomes available.
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