Weather

Levee Board and Corps of Engineers monitor area waterways with more rain on the way

Published

5 years ago

June 10, 2021

The significant flash flooding threat has expanded and will continue into this evening as additional heavy, flooding rain falls across saturated ground. Widespread flash flooding remains possible. A lesser threat for heavy rainfall and flooding farther southeast is expected in the elevated and limited threat areas. (credit: NWS)

Last updated: June 11, 2021

Over the last 72 hours, areas of the Upper Yazoo Basin and the upper Boeuf-Tensas Basin have received over 10 inches of rainfall with some isolated regions reaching 18-20 inches. The NWS is currently forecasting 1-2 inches of rain over the next two days in these areas. Many of these areas have and are currently experiencing flash flooding issues.

Higher rain chances and thunderstorms will continue Friday, particularly in the morning and afternoon, in the northeast. Highs look to top out in the upper 80s to near 90. (credit: NWS)

The following are forecasted crests provided by Justin Giles of the Vicksburg District Corps of Engineers and are based on predicted future rainfall. If the rainfall is higher than forecasted, these crest numbers will be adjusted.

Yazoo Basin Reservoirs:

All reservoirs are currently closed and will reopen when downstream conditions allow, potentially in the next 7-10 days
Arkabutla Lake’s current level is 232.9 ft and is forecasted to reach 236-237 ft (10 – 15 % flood storage capacity remaining at forecasted crest) around June 14
Sardis Lake’s current level is 267.2 ft and is forecasted to reach 274-275 ft (25 – 30 % flood storage capacity remaining at forecasted crest) around June 17
Enid Lake’s current level is 259.5 ft and is forecasted to reach 263-264 ft (15 – 20 % flood storage capacity remaining at forecasted crest) around June 16
Grenada Lake’s current level is 223.7 ft and is forecasted to reach 227-228 ft (15 – 20 % flood storage capacity remaining at forecasted crest) around June 16

Yazoo River Basin:

Coldwater River at Marks is currently at 39 ft and the NWS is forecasting a crest of 39.4 ft (Flood stage – 39 ft) today
Impacts at this crest: Low-lying farm land surrounding Marks plus local flash flooding
Yazoo River at Greenwood is currently at 30.2 ft and the NWS is forecasting a crest of 35.5 ft (Flood stage – 35 ft) tomorrow
Impacts at this crest: currently not forecasted to reach flood stage but there is localized flash flooding
Yazoo River at Yazoo City is currently at 21.4 ft and the NWS is forecasting a crest of 33 ft (Flood stage – 29 ft) June 13
Impacts at this crest: Low-lying farm land

Yazoo Backwater:

The Steele Bayou Structure is currently open and not expected to close at this time
The forecasted crest for the backwater area is 81-82 ft June 14
The Muddy Bayou Structure is closed
Big Sunflower River at Sunflower is currently at 23.7 ft and the NWS is forecasting a crest of 27.5 ft (Flood stage – 21 ft;) June 13
Impacts at this crest: Low lying streets along the river in the city of Sunflower begin to flood. Moll Road, 3 miles northeast of Indianola, is impassable by car.
Big Sunflower River at Anguilla is currently at 34.4 ft and the NWS is forecasting a crest of 39.5 ft (Flood stage – 45 ft;) June 13
Impacts at this crest: currently not forecasted to reach flood stage