Good things do come in small packages, and the small “package” from the National Weather Service this weekend prompted a tentative sigh of relief in the Miss-Lou.

The NWS lowered the predicted Mississippi River crest first by half a foot, then by another half a foot.

The new crest prediction is now 63 feet on May 21. That’s two-feet lower than a previous 65-foot crest that sent many locals into a state of panic.

It’s certainly good news.

Still, this flood battle isn’t complete.

With levees holding strong and last-minute preparations in place, it may not be the actual height of the river that causes the most worries for the Miss-Lou.

Instead, area residents need to be cognizant of just how long this high water may stick around.

A Saturday crest doesn’t end the troubles, and it’s likely the river will sit above flood stage in Natchez for weeks.

Already saturated grounds must continue to soak while maintaining their strength. It’s a tall order.

Further, businesses halted as the waters rose will stay closed for an extended period of time, leaving a considerable dent in local economies.

We are happy to see a lower crest prediction — the lower the better — but we urge residents to remain vigilant in their preparedness while standing at the ready to help cleanup when the time comes.

Good things come in small packages, but great things come in big ones. The Miss-Lou is made up of one great community ready to work together no matter what, we know. That’s one great, big package.