River watchers in the area may slowly draw a deep breath this morning and make a collective sigh before thinking to themselves, “Here we go again.”

The National Weather Service predicts that high rainfall amounts north of Natchez, particularly in the Ohio River Valley, will lead to near-record levels on the Mississippi River in a few weeks.

The river is forecast to crest at 60 feet on the Natchez gauge on Jan. 18. If that level is achieved, the water will be less than two feet from the record high mark of 61.9 feet set during the 2011 flood. Water likely will begin inching onto portions of the Vidalia Riverfront at that point, and Silver Street at Natchez Under-the-Hill will likely be impassable, too.

Natchez, Vidalia and surrounding areas should mostly be fine this go around, just like during the 2011 flood.

But like the 2011 flood, we all need to stay calm, communicate clearly and go about preparing the low-lying areas that need attention.

The river is a powerful force and one that must not be taken for granted or overlooked. When the river gets to such high levels the pressure on the protective levee that keeps Concordia Parish dry becomes enormously great so unauthorized personnel should not get on the levee.

Further, all residents would be wise to stay informed and ready in case the forecast changes and becomes worse.

Our area is filled with smart, resourceful people who know how to work together in times of stress. Now is one of those times, and we trust all we work hard to keep everyone else safe and sound.