Mississippi continues to deal with devastating Pearl River flooding

AUSTIN, Texas — Temporary relief is in the forecast for South Mississippi as they continue to deal sun up to sun down with devastating flooding along the Pearl River. 

The “Pearl” commonly referred to some, stretches some 400-plus miles from Neshoba County in Central Mississippi down through Jackson, Georgetown, Monticello, Columbia, Picayune, Bogalusa, Louisiana, and Pearl River, Louisiana. 

Since December, the river has been on the rise because of heavy rains. The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a reservoir built in the early 1960s by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District. The goal was to create a permanent supply of drinking water for the Jackson metro area. 

At 33,000 acres, it provides a water supply for the City of Jackson and to nearly 6,000 district-lease holders and works with the U.S. Corps of Engineers to provide flood mitigation for downstream properties. 

In December, Jackson had a monthly total of 5.81 inches of rainfall. 

Flipping the calendar to January 2020, the state capital had a total of 13.82 inches with a monthly surplus of 8.85 inches. The highest rainfall accumulation occurred on Jan. 14 at just over 4 1/2 inches. Since Feb. 1, an additional 9 inches has fell with a surplus thus far of 5.59 inches. 

This has all led to height of the “Pearl” continuing to rise hampering downstream neighborhoods, farms, homes, schools, businesses and roads.

Many residents remember the 1979 Easter flood along the Pearl River that caused of $500 million in damages – the equivalent of more than $1.75 billion today. In Jackson, the flood stage was increased from 18 feet to 28 feet in 2004. 

KVUE

Downstream in Rockport, Mississippi, flood stage is set at 25 feet. Monticello is 22 feet and Columbia is 17 feet, with the latter of these locations set to crest at 25.5 feet on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 23. 

It is important to remember especially in the event of floodwaters, “Turn Around Don’t Drown.” 

Familiar passages and roads quickly become unfamiliar in a perilous and dangerous situation. Officials also urge if power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. 

Additionally, if any gas or electrical appliances are or were flooded, do not use them until they have been checked for safe use. 

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