Noon update: Vidalia riverfront flood preparations complete

Published 11:53 am Tuesday, May 10, 2011

VIDALIA — All work to secure the Vidalia riverfront against the Mississippi River’s rising floodwaters is complete.

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland said that the work began last Thursday and was finished Tuesday morning.

The efforts included building temporary levees around the municipal water wells and buildings on the riverfront, which Copeland said constitute a combined $100 million investment.

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“We feel confident (the temporary levees) will hold,” Copeland said.

As of noon Tuesday, the river gauge at Vidalia read water levels at 57.46 feet. Flood stage is 48 feet.

The river is expected to crest at 64 feet May 21.

The highest-to-date recorded flood event was 58.04 feet in February 1937.

Until flood worries wane, The Natchez Democrat will post daily river updates at noon and 5 p.m. Breaking news and other alerts will be posted throughout the day, as available. Also, a live feed of the Natchez river level is constantly updated 24-7 on our home page.

Send flood-related questions or submit flood photographs to newsroom@natchezdemocrat.com