Warren County officials are strongly urging Eagle Lake residents to leave due to rising floodwaters predicted to make travel in and out of the rural area even more difficult over the coming days.

During a special called work session meeting Friday morning, three members of the Warren County Board of Supervisors met with county emergency management director John Elfer and Sheriff Martin Pace to discuss backwater flooding that is expected to crest above 97 feet. But more expected rainfall this weekend and next week could increase that crest.

“This is potentially a life safety issue,” Elfer told the board. “If they choose to stay, they need to realize emergency services will be limited.”

Pace told the board Warren County deputies will remain on patrol 24/7 in the Eagle Lake community to provide safety and law enforcement.

The supervisors are scheduled to meet Friday at 3 p.m. in their boardroom on the third floor of the Warren County Courthouse to officially vote on declaring a mandatory evacuation of Eagle Lake.

Look for more on this developing story later today.