The Mississippi River rose a half of a foot overnight to 41.1 feet in Vicksburg this morning, and as crews moved the Kings Point Ferry to the Port of Vicksburg to wait out flooding forecast early next week.

Service across the Yazoo Diversion Canal to Kings Point Island’s vast hunting grounds was suspended late Sunday and won’t be resumed until the river crests, Warren County Road Manager Richard Winans said.

Models showing dry weather in the Lower Mississippi are keeping the crest forecast of 43 feet on March 29 “on track,” said Jeff Graschel, service hydrologist with the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center in Slidell, La. If it holds, the 43-foot level would be the third official flood in four years.

Drain valves were shut last week in preparation for the rising water. Additional valves at City Front could be closed if conditions warrant, Vicksburg Sewer Department supervisor Willie McCroy said this morning. Barric ades to block water in the city’s floodwall openings also could be closed.