Mississippi Governor Declares State Of Emergency As Flood Waters Threaten More Than 2,400 Homes In Jackson Area

Please pray for the safety of our Mississippi Roommates. A state of emergency has been declared by Mississippi governor Tate Reeves today amid predictions that a river running in the area around Jackson could burst its banks and spark widespread flooding.

Forecasters believe that the Pear lRiver will rise to levels not seen in decades following days of rain across the Southeast. 

Reeves said that his state should prepare for “the third worst flood” in Mississippi’s history, according to NBC News. “This is a historic, unprecedented flood,” said Reeves on Twitter. “With projections showing the potential of this being the 3rd worst flood in our state’s history, I‘ve declared a state of emergency to deploy the necessary resources to take care of all Mississippians impacted.”

Parts of Jackson and suburban Ridgeland were already under evacuation orders and some people had already filled trucks with their stuff to get out.

Reeves said more than 2,400 homes and other structures in and near Jackson could either be inundated or isolated by the rising waters.

“I cannot stress to you how important the next 24 to 48 hours is for the people who are going to be affected,” Reeves said.

Reeves signed an emergency declaration to speed up spending for flood response and recovery. More than 96,000 sandbags had already been distributed by Saturday. 

The National Guard, the Highway Patrol and other high-water rescue teams were on standby, Reeves said.

“Have a plan to protect yourself and a plan to protect your loved ones,” Reeves said.

We’ll keep you posted on any updates, Roomies.