Last year during the first weekend in May, I saw more water out over streets & farms & in houses (even in our neighborhood!) than I think I'd ever seen. It was very "localized" (probably not the correct term, but brings to mind the picture that I have in my head...) Those rains came down very quickly, in a short period of time. Areas were flooded that no one had ever seen flood before. It was more like the "500 year" flood.
This year, during the first week-10 days of May, it is forecast that we will see more water in (and out) of the Mississippi River than ever before. History has recorded two great floods of the Mississippi in the last century - 1927 and 1937. As the waters continue to rise, looks like 2011 could top the list. Because the rain has come more "spread out" over days & weeks, we don't have the flooding in town that we had last year. This year's flooding is stemming directly from the high waters of the Mississippi River. The smaller rivers, creeks, and streams that feed into the Mississippi are backing up, and running backwards in some cases, because it has no where to go. The ground being flooded is primarily surrounding these rivers & tributaries, although still effecting homes, farms, businesses, small & large towns, too (Dyersburg, Memphis, Tunica, etc.).
This year, during the first week-10 days of May, it is forecast that we will see more water in (and out) of the Mississippi River than ever before. History has recorded two great floods of the Mississippi in the last century - 1927 and 1937. As the waters continue to rise, looks like 2011 could top the list. Because the rain has come more "spread out" over days & weeks, we don't have the flooding in town that we had last year. This year's flooding is stemming directly from the high waters of the Mississippi River. The smaller rivers, creeks, and streams that feed into the Mississippi are backing up, and running backwards in some cases, because it has no where to go. The ground being flooded is primarily surrounding these rivers & tributaries, although still effecting homes, farms, businesses, small & large towns, too (Dyersburg, Memphis, Tunica, etc.).
This morning, the MS River was at 42 feet (flood level is 35). It was forecast to crest at 45 ft on May 10. Tonight, however, that flood level has risen to a prediction of 48 ft! In addition, the news stated that the river could remain at this level of 48 ft for up to seven days! Wow! I'm hoping to be able to take or at least download some pictures so that it will be documented for the children.
Our prayers go out to all the families effected by the flooding, whether by evacuation of home or another type of property damage. And we are so thankful for the generosity of others who are opening shelters, volunteering in shelters, and helping out in other ways, too.
"And the rains came down, and the floods came up..."
No comments:
Post a Comment