The Mississippi River at Natchez is lapping over Silver Street again this year and city officials closed the street to through traffic on Friday.

Silver Street is now a two-way street.

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell said the road closing at the low point Under the Hill has become an annual tradition.

Last year, the river remained above the 48-foot flood stage at Natchez for a record 212 days, surpassing the previous record of 77 days set in 1927.

Once the river reaches the 52-foot mark, the waters start to encroach on the low point of Silver Street.

The river is expected to crest at 53 feet in Natchez on Jan. 28 and depending on weather conditions over the next two-weeks will either rise or fall.

Nonetheless Silver Street will likely remain closed to regular traffic for a while.

While Silver Street is closed, note that traffic can still travel down to the businesses Under the Hill.

As Grennell noted recently, however, please do not attempt to walk or drive past the barricades at the low point of Silver Street where water is on the road.

Last year a pedestrian got swept away by the floodwaters and his body still has not been recovered.

Also, the river water is powerful so don’t be fooled into thinking a vehicle can safely traverse the water.

Instead, simply turn around and drive back up the hill. That is why the street is now converted to two-way traffic.