Flooding in Jackson as Pearl River Hits Highest Level in Decades

Mississippi Gov Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency on Saturday, February 15, in the face of what he called “historic, unprecedented,” flooding along the Pearl River.

Reeves said the action was taken in order to “deploy the necessary resources to take care of Mississippians that are impacted,” especially around the capital, Jackson.

Accuweather reported that by Sunday morning the Pearl River “exceeded 36 feet, sending the Ross Barnett Reservoir beyond capacity.”

The National Weather Service said the river would crest at 37.5 feet on Monday, its highest level since 1983.

Local man Wayne Kinkennon, captured this footage of various locations in Jackson, along the Pearl River, on February 15. Credit: Wayne Kinkennon via Storyful