VIDALIA — The threat of a possible record-breaking river level in the Miss-Lou has both parish and county officials examining every possible area of concern, including area lakes and creeks.

With a 60-foot crest projected, Lake Concordia and Lake St. John in the parish could be at risk for flooding, but Concordia Parish Police Jury President Melvin Ferrington said things would have to get bad.

“I don’t think we will see that much effect on the lakes,” he said. “There will be some seepage that runs into them from the levee, but as far back as I can remember, we have never had any major problems.”

Lake St. John Water Commission President Tom Bell said that he also does not foresee any problems with the lakes’ water levels.

“I remember when we had high river levels in 1973, and it did not grossly affect the lake at all,” he said. “It was of no significant problem to us. It just ran in and ran out.”

While Bell said he does not believe the high river level will cause any problems, there still is room for concern.

“The unknown factor here is that the river has never been projected this high,” he said. “We are kind of entering uncharted territories.”

Lake Concordia Commission member Johnny Patrick said while the river may not directly affect the lake, it could indirectly affect it through Cocodrie Bayou.

“If the bayou gets too full, it could back up into Lake Concordia,” he said.

Ferrington said the high water level might help to fill a currently low Lake Concordia.

“It could be beneficial to the lake if it does get a little bit of water in it,” he said.

Patrick said while a rise in the lake’s levels could help, the possibility of flooding is still a concern.

“We don’t want to get an excessive amount in the lake,” he said. “But what we get is what we get, and if the rise in the river causes a rise in Concordia, that is just something we are going to have to deal with.”

Patrick said sitting back and waiting is the only thing to do at this point.

“I know we can’t prevent it from happening, but we will be in touch with the right officials to see what steps need to be taken if something does happen,” he said.

In Adams County, St. Catherine’s Creek will rise with the river.

Adams County Emergency Management Director Stan Owens said while the levels may rise, he does not believe any problems will arise from the creek.

“We should have no problems with the river backing up the creek,” he said. “It may look impressive, but no issues should arise.”

Even though early reports are looking good, Ferrington said every step is being taken to prepare for the worst.

“We are meeting with the Corps of Engineers (today) to look at the conditions of the levees in the area,” he said. “There are a few areas of concern that we want to look at closer.”

Ferrington said the trouble areas of the levee are located near Deer Park Road where construction work on the levee is under way.

“We just want to check things out and make sure the pressure wont be too much,” he said.

A flood warning will go into effect Sunday for the Mississippi River at Natchez and will remain in place until further notice, according to the National Weather Service.

The river sat at 46.04 feet Tuesday, and flood stage is 48 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage by Sunday and will continue to rise to near 60 feet by May 20, the NWS said.