Most of the world knows little about the topography of Natchez.

Those who have heard of the city, which is a good number, tend to know it’s near the Mississippi River. But they don’t realize that approximately 99 percent of Natchez sits atop quite a large hill.

So when headlines like the ones that surfaced Monday and those that will continue for four weeks, appear, the world thinks Natchez is under water.

It’s common sense really.

The National Weather Service says, “major flooding at Natchez,” after all.

If the river really does hit the predicted crest of 60 feet, a few places in Natchez will certainly be under water, but just a few.

The outcome is less clear — but still no need for panic — for our neighbors across the way in Concordia Parish. No one knows exactly what 60 feet of water in the Mississippi will mean for the low-lying parish, but a strong levee is likely to handle things just fine.

Even the Vidalia riverfront — which is not protected by the levee — is high enough that when the water hit 57.03 feet in 2008 the river wasn’t gushing onto the street.

So, though Adams County has already declared a state of emergency and Concordia Parish is likely to follow suit soon, for the vast majority of local residents and businesses there is, nor will there be, any emergency.

While some city officials on both sides work to be sure property is safe, others need to make a marketing plan.

It wouldn’t take long for a family planning a vacation in Natchez or a couple driving over for the weekend to happen across the “major flooding” headlines.

Much like the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coastlines had to let tourists know they were open for businesses after last spring’s gulf oil spill, Natchez tourism officials need to be prepared to share the message that Natchez isn’t flooded.

Our city can’t afford to lose even one tourist’s dollars just because he was ill-informed.

A prominent note on the city’s tourism website explaining what flood stage means here is in order soon.

A press release sent out Tuesday night to dozens of newspaper is a start.

Then, depending on what the river actually does, a bit of proactive marketing may be necessary.

What better place might there be to watch the record-breaking water levels rush by in the country’s mightiest river than from high atop the Natchez bluffs?

It’s history in the making; sounds right up the alley of the average Natchez tourist.

Mississippi River flooding is no joke, for sure. If predictions hold true, a few Adams County residents and several dozen Concordia Parish residents will be forced from their homes. The Isle of Capri Casino may have to close temporarily, costing the city valuable tax dollars. Silver Street and D.A. Biglane may see water damage. And several structures on the Vidalia Riverfront could be at some risk. Vidalia residents may have to deal with backed up drains and water seepage.

But thankfully, most of Concordia Parish and nearly all of Natchez will be high and dry and in prime position to watch the truly mighty power of our favorite river with few inconveniences. Not many river towns have that luxury in times of flooding.

Letting potential tourists know that a trip to Natchez is safe and encouraged is a task we can’t ignore as the water creeps higher in the coming weeks.

Once they get here, Natchez and that topography lesson will be one they never forget.

Julie Cooper is the managing editor of The Natchez Democrat. She can be reached at 601-445-3551 or julie.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.