The National Weather Service (NWS) in Memphis has issued a flood warning for the Mississippi River, which affects citizens in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Missouri.
Communities are ready for “major flooding,” with floods rising and issues mounting for homes and businesses, according to the National Weather Service.
The Memphis gauge showed a stage of 37.2 feet as of Saturday evening, with moderate flooding already occurring.
Forecasters estimate that the Mississippi River at Memphis will not subside below flood stage until early Friday morning.
Inundation affects the grain terminal south of West Memphis, Arkansas, and the gasoline station south of the river gauge in Memphis.
The National Weather Service says, “Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas,” implying that the flood may jeopardize conventional routes.
In addition to flooding, the NWS has issued a thorough forecast for variable weather patterns.
Starting with a 10% chance of showers today, the week ahead appears stormy, with showers and thunderstorms most likely Thursday through Saturday.
New rainfall quantities might reach three-quarters to one inch, significantly complicating flood response efforts.
Flooding has impacted local businesses, with the NWS describing grain terminals and nearby establishments as being under water at 37.0 feet south of West Memphis.
“At Memphis, the fuel facility south of the river gauge is flooding,” according to the National Weather Service. The city, besieged by the rising river, must now negotiate the dual perils of natural disasters and hindered commerce.
To assist residents and businesses in preparing, the NWS provides updates on their website, with the most recent statement indicating that the next update will be issued as needed. The flood warning remains in effect until Saturday, April 26, and urges sustained caution. With the combined hazards of rising seas and stormy forecasts, the region is on high alert as nature’s unpredictability demonstrates once more that it is a force to be reckoned with.
