News Credit: CNN.Com
After record rains this week, Jackson, Mississippi, is bracing for the Pearl River to reach 36 feet by Tuesday, flooding its streets.
Image Credit: CNN.Com
Marty Pope, a hydrologist for the US National Weather Service, said at a press conference on Friday that the Pearl River is likely to reach 34 to 35 feet this weekend.
Image Credit: CNN
"One of the things that we need to let you guys know is the fact that this is not a short event,"
Pope said. "We're not going to even crest until Tuesday morning. The water after that will stay high for a while."
Pope also noted that high river levels and increased rainfall could lead to flash flooding, especially northeast of Jackson.
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said on Friday he expects the water to start affecting residents on Sunday night, citing flooding in 2020 when the Pearl River reached 36.7 feet.
Lumumba also said the Red Cross will be on site to help open shelters if needed, and residents will be able to collect sandbags this weekend.
Tamika Smith-Jewitt, executive director of the American Red Cross's Southwestern Mississippi, said she will open shelters Friday night for those in need.
A Tropical storm warning issued for south Texas to Boca de Catan, Port Mansfield, Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.