Memphis, Tennessee – Floodwaters along the Mississippi River continue to rise, threatening parts of Memphis and neighboring Arkansas communities through early Wednesday, as excessive rainfall keeps river levels dangerously high.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a flood advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Wednesday for the Mississippi River at Memphis, Tiptonville, Caruthersville, Osceola, and surrounding areas. Water levels reached 32.0 feet Saturday night, causing flooding along roadways near Island 40 Chute and covering low-lying land between Memphis and West Memphis.
In Arkansas, the road south of Island 40 Chute is already underwater, and the levee near Danner Lake is overtopped. Motorists should avoid travel near riverbanks and low-lying areas. The river is forecasted to fall slowly, not reaching safer levels until mid-May. Memphis roads near the river and access routes to I-55 could experience periodic closures.
Residents are urged to exercise caution near the river, monitor updates from local emergency management, and avoid walking along saturated levees. Charging electronic devices and having evacuation plans in place are recommended for those living near flood-prone zones.
Flood warnings remain active across the region, and additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
