The Mississippi River is expected to crest above flood stage Jan. 18 in Vicksburg at 44 feet, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District has activated its Emergency Operations Center to “emergency status” due to the forecasted high water.

During emergency watch, USACE personnel and their local partners monitor the conditions of all federal flood control works, including levees, floodwalls and pumping stations. They also monitor rainfall amounts in affected areas and use National Weather Service data to determine if weather conditions warrant further action.

“We are currently experiencing higher than normal water stages in the region. We’ve activated our emergency operations center to monitor and prepare to fight the forecasted flood,” said Vicksburg District Commander Col. Michael C. Derosier in a press release. “The district has begun and will continue to work with its local, state and federal partners.”

The NWS is forecasting the Mississippi River to reach flood stage at the Arkansas City, Arkansas, and Greenville, Vicksburg and Natchez gages by mid-January.

Currently, USACE has 11 personnel engaged in emergency watch efforts, including increased monitoring of river forecasts, offering support to local levee sponsors and state officials and supplying flood-fight material to local sponsors as needed.

As of Tuesday, the district has observed no significant sand boils or seepage at flood control sites.