VICKSBURG (AP) — The National Weather Service is predicting a rapid rise along the lower Mississippi River in the next two weeks.

Forecasters predict minor flooding in at least some points below where the Ohio River joins the Mississippi in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

National Weather Service meteorologist Ed Tarver said heavy rain in the Midwest will send a pulse of water downriver.

The river is predicted to crest at Memphis, Tennessee, and points north by March 4, with crests coming later downstream.

So far, the flooding is not predicted to be severe, with water covering mostly woods, fields and some low-lying roads.

Tuesday morning, the river was at a level of 39.28 feet on the Natchez gauge. Forecasters predict the level will be at 46.30 feet on March 7. The minor flood stage is at 48 feet on the Natchez gauge.