Area riverwatchers are casting a cautious eye toward the rising Mississippi River.

The current forecast calls for the river to crest in approximately one week at a level of 54.5 feet on the Natchez gauge.

That’s well above flood stage, but far below the record set in 2011 of 61.9 feet.

The Great Flood of 2011 changed the way we all look at seasonal flooding.

Although now six years behind us, time has not dulled the tension, concern and worry that gripped parts of our community that summer.

We are comforted by the hard work and determination of city, county and parish leaders who are working now to prepare for the rising waters.

One thing that we collectively learned in 2011 was that when we calmly and effectively work together as a community, nothing could get in our way — even the mighty Mississippi River.

We hope and pray the forecast continues to call for only moderate flooding of Natchez and Vidalia riverfront areas.

But we also feel confident in the public works crews and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ workers who are ready, willing and able to help protect life and property should additional water be headed our way.

Thank you all for the work you do.