The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is conducting daily patrols across the entirety of its jurisdiction as a part of its flood fight efforts due to elevated river stages across the region. At this time, all of the mainline Mississippi River gages in the Vicksburg District's jurisdiction are experiencing major or moderate flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
Technical experts from the Vicksburg District office and the Greenwood and Vidalia area offices are deploying to inspect and monitor flood control works, such as levees, floodwalls, reservoirs and relief wells, to ensure that they continue to function as designed. These patrols will continue as long as elevated water levels persist. The district has observed no significant sand boils or seepage at flood control sites.
The Vicksburg District has approximately 60 personnel working to support local, state and federal officials with technical expertise and flood-fight material as needed. The Vicksburg District has issued 11,000 sandbags to various locations in the region.
The National Weather Service has forecasted the Mississippi River to crest at the Arkansas City, Arkansas, gage at 44.5 feet by March 10; the Greenville, Mississippi, gage at 56.8 by March 11; the Vicksburg, Mississippi, gage at 51.5 feet by March 13; and the Natchez, Mississippi, gage at 58 feet by March 15.
Citizens are encouraged to contact their local authorities and management officials for updates about conditions in their area and should avoid activities on or near flood control works.