Jackson, Mississippi – A Flood Warning remains in effect as the Big Black River at West is forecast to rise above flood stage Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, minor flooding is expected along the river in Attala and Holmes counties as water levels continue to climb through the weekend. The river measured 12.3 feet at 8:45 a.m. Friday, still below the official 15-foot flood stage.
Forecasters say the river will gradually rise Saturday before surpassing flood stage Saturday evening. Water levels are expected to reach a crest near 15.6 feet early Sunday afternoon, slightly above the threshold for minor flooding.
At 15 feet, low-lying areas and agricultural land near the river typically begin to flood. Rural land along the riverbanks is the most likely area to see water impacts if forecasts hold.
The latest projections show the river reaching about 13.3 feet Saturday morning, rising to around 15.5 feet Sunday, and remaining elevated into Monday as waters slowly stabilize.
Officials continue to warn drivers about flooded roadways. The National Weather Service stresses that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the agency said in its safety guidance.
Residents near the Big Black River are encouraged to monitor river levels and updates from local emergency officials as the weekend approaches.
The National Weather Service plans to issue the next river update around 9:45 p.m. Friday.
Additional river forecasts and flood safety information are available at water.noaa.gov and weather.gov/safety/flood.
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