VIDALIA — Concordia Parish is now under a flood watch based on a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing across the area today.

Senior Meteorologist Mike Edmonston said rain chances will increase to 70 percent in the late afternoon.

Edmonston said he does expect less than an inch of rain to fall.

“It’s going to take two to four inches (of rain) across the area to make the river rise significantly,” Edmonston said.

The flood watch targets areas are already partially flooded, he said.

“A quick half an inch (of rain) could make the river cross the road (in flooded areas),” Edmonston said.

Edmonston attributed rain chances to a nearly stackable pressure system across the Mississippi River Valley over Missouri.

“A cold front is moving across the Ozarks into North Louisiana,” he said.

The flood watch for Concordia Parish will be in effect until 7 p.m., Edmonston said.

The forecast appears relatively dry until late next week after today’s predicted rainfall, he said.

He said a system may produce rains in the central plains Wednesday or Thursday, possibly producing rainfall in the area next Friday.

Residents at risk of flooding can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Concordia Parish is still on level 2 of its 2011 evacuation plan.

Parish officials met with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the Fifth District Levee Board this morning at the Concordia Parish Police Jury where it was determined that the levees were still in good condition and capable of weathering the water.

Police jury president Melvin Ferrington said he is still confident the levees are going to hold strong.

Ferrington also stated that even though there is water rising on the Vidalia Riverfront, the Hesco barrier levee systems set up around the different infrastructure are holding well, and there are currently no problems.

As of 10 a.m., the river stood at 59.85 feet, the highest-record water level ever at Natchez. Flood stage at Natchez is 48 feet.

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. Also, a live feed of the Natchez river level is constantly updated 24-7 on our home page.

Send flood-related questions or submit flood photographs to newsroom@natchezdemocrat.com