Noon update: Water reaches across Silver Street

Published 12:00 pm Saturday, May 7, 2011

NATCHEZ — The Mississippi River at Natchez sits at 54.52 feet.

The predicted crest remains at 64 feet on May 22.

D.A. Biglane in Natchez has been closed to traffic. Water has now covered the lowest dip in Silver Street, reaching entirely across the street.

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The Isle of Capri Casino is closed.

Gov. Haley Barbour is requesting a major disaster declaration for 14 counties including Adams, Jefferson and Wilkinson counties.

The major disaster declaration would provide assistance both to individuals and public agencies.

State and federal officials are conducting coordinated preparation efforts under a previously declared federal emergency. If granted, this request would provide additional federal aid to affected local governments, individuals and businesses.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers release a flood inundation map for the Natchez-Vidalia area which shows all mainline levees should hold back the river. See more here.

Until flood worries wane, The Natchez Democrat will post daily river updates at noon and 5 p.m. Breaking news and other alerts will be posted throughout the day, as available.