Central Mississippians are preparing for the worst as historic rainfall totals have raised the water levels in the Pearl River, which threatens to flood some areas in the coming days.
According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey, the Pearl River at Jackson was measured at 34.63 feet as of 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Flood stage at this location is 28 feet.
The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District announced Saturday that they expect the Pearl River at Jackson to reach 36 feet Monday morning. Discharge rates at the Ross Barnett Reservoir spillway will likely be increased over the weekend, and residents in low-lying areas are being urged to take action immediately in preparation for potential flooding.
During the February 2020 flood, the Pearl River crested at 36.67 feet, the third-highest crest the river has seen according to data from the National Weather Service’s Jackson office.
Review the map below to see the latest river level updates for the Pearl River at Jackson, as well as at other measurement locations near you.
