VIDALIA — The river level prediction dropped again Sunday, lowering the expected crest on Jan. 17 to 57 feet.

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland broke the news to residents at the Miss-Lou Community Prayer Gathering. The initial prediction was that the river would reach 60 feet.

The level was just shy of the historic 2011 flooding, which came in at 61.95 feet.

“So anyone who said the power of prayer doesn’t work, that’s an example,” Copeland said.

Currently, Adams County Emergency Management Director Robert Bradford Sr. said the river is at 53 feet. Bradford said it’s likely the prediction will drop again in the next couple of days as some Louisiana spillways are opened, taking some water out of the river.

Both Bradford and Copeland warned residents to be cautious, however.

“The drop is great news, but we will not be complacent,” Copeland said. “This is very unusual for winter and we need to be watching until spring.”

At the gathering Copeland also gave an update on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Copeland said the Corps has upgraded the levee system and the relief valves in strategic locations across Vidalia, and are currently monitoring the levee system.

The National Guard is also doing 24-hour patrol on the levee. Copeland said some sand boils have been sighted but nothing that puts the levees in danger.