The Mississippi River surpassed the 48-foot flood stage in Natchez on Wednesday and is expected to crest at 51.5 feet on Jan. 30.

The news came even as Concordia Parish and Town of Vidalia officials are hurrying to complete repairs to streets and roadways that were damaged in last year’s record flooding.

If last year is any indication, the Miss-Lou is more than likely facing another prolonged flood stage.

Last year, the Mississippi River at Natchez stayed above flood stage for 212 days surpassing the previous record of 77 days, set in 1927.

Also, last year the river reached its third-highest recorded crest at 57.83 feet on March 11. The previous record crests were 61.95 feet in May 2011 and 58.04 in February 1937.

We wish Vidalia and Concordia Parish well in finishing the road repairs and pray this year’s flooding will not get above the major flood stage.

Meanwhile we encourage residents in low-lying areas to have a plan for their own safety and evacuations in the event major flooding does occur this year.