Flood warning issued for Mississippi River as water levels rise
MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) -
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Mississippi River.
According to the Shelby County Office of Preparedness, the warning will begin January 2 and last until further notice.
Representatives from the National Weather Service, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other emergency services met at the Shelby County Office of Preparedness to discuss strategy in dealing with the flood threat.
After almost 30 days of rain in the central United States, the river is expected to crest at 43.5 feet on January 9.
SCOP Director Dale Lane said that water is already high near the Loosahatchie and Wolf Rivers and in the Nonconnah, Cypress and Big Creeks. He advised those who live in the area to be vigilant.
High water could block roads and affect neighborhoods in North Memphis, Frayser, President's Island, Westwood, Millington, and other areas near rivers or creeks.
Officials with the Shelby County Emergency Management Department said they believe the impact to homes flooding is low, but the possibility is there. While they know what exactly could be under water, they say anywhere near the Mississippi River could be at risk, including Tom Lee Park and Harbor Town.
City and county crews are taking action now by clearing drainage lines. They plan to put out flood maps by the end of the business day Wednesday. They say funds have been invested for this cause since the 2011 severe flood in Shelby County.
Emergency officials say they don't believe this chance of flood will have the same impact as the severe flood that hit Memphis in 2011.
Since 2011, crews say they've added a flood wall behind Bass Pro Shops Pyramid facing the river. They've also established a GIS platform, a partnership with the University of Memphis to monitor levels of potential flooding. The Shelby County Office of Emergency Preparedness is urging people not to be afraid, but prepared.
"All City of Memphis bureaus are on alert. We are ready to respond should evacuations be needed," Director of the Memphis Office of Emergency Management Lt. Jim Logan said.
For more information about how you can prepare for high water, click here or call the Shelby County Office of Preparedness at (901)222-6700.