Mississippi Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Fears of Major Flooding

Mississippi Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Fears of Major Flooding
A soccer complex in northeast Jackson, Miss., on Feb. 14, 2020, is underwater from flooding. Rogelio V. Solis/AP Photo
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JACKSON, Miss.—Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency Saturday amid predictions that a river running in the area around the state capital of Jackson could burst its banks and spark widespread flooding.

Forecasters believe the Pearl River will crest at 38 feet Sunday evening to levels not seen in decades, following days of torrential rains across the Southeast. Reeves said the state should prepare for “the third worst flood” in its history.