Drivers Navigate Flooded Roads as Mississippi's Pearl River Crests

Mississippi’s Pearl River in Jackson was expected to crest at around noon on Monday, February 17, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), as severe flooding damaged dozens of homes and closed roads.

State and federal officials were working over the weekend to contain the severity of flooding across Mississippi, with mandatory evacuations in place for parts of Jackson.

Mississippi Gov Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency amid what he said was “a historic, unprecedented flood.” Severe weather has impacted the region since February 10, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

An initial damage assessment issued by MEMA on February 16 found at least 80 homes “damaged,” with reports of more than 100 other homes “affected” by the flooding. The preliminary report also listed dozens of roads closed and requests for thousands of sandbags.

The NWS said the Pearl River at Jackson was cresting around noon and had reached about 36.8 feet, surpassing the 28-foot flood stage.

This footage shows drivers navigating floodwater in Jackson near the intersection of Farish Street and South Street. Credit: @taylorsledge_ via Storyful