Severe weather has triggered flood alerts in Washington, Mississippi, and Louisiana, with rivers rising above their thresholds. Local authorities are urging caution as roads, farmland, and some homes face ongoing or expected flooding.
Emergency services across the affected regions are closely monitoring developments as river levels swell beyond flood stages. While most of the alerts concern minor to moderate flooding, the cumulative impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and transportation could be significant in certain areas.
Washington’s Skokomish River Reaches Moderate Flood Stage
Flooding along the Skokomish River in Mason County, Washington has reached a moderate level, with waters measured at 16.9 feet late Sunday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle reported that the river is expected to peak at 17.6 feet early Monday before falling below flood stage by Tuesday morning. Flood stage is considered to begin at 16.5 feet, meaning this week’s levels are already above the threshold.
According to the National Weather Service, several roads are inundated, including Skokomish Valley Road, Bourgault Road West, Purdy Cutoff Road, and portions of Highway 106. These routes have been deemed unsafe, and motorists have been urged not to bypass barricades or attempt to drive through water-covered roads. “Turn around, don’t drown” remains a repeated cautionary slogan from emergency officials.
Flooding in this region is not uncommon, but the NWS notes that the current crest is comparable to a similar event recorded on October 20, 2003. The affected area includes both residential zones and farmland, with floodwaters described as “deep and quick,” posing a heightened risk during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced.
Mississippi and Louisiana See River Levels Swell Across Multiple Sites
In Mississippi, several rivers have surpassed flood stage, with continuous rainfall aggravating conditions. According to the NWS Mobile, the Chickasawhay River at Leakesville reached 22 feet on Sunday evening and is expected to crest at 23 feet by Thursday morning. Flood stage begins at 20 feet. Flooding is already impacting George and Greene Counties, cutting off access to low-lying roads.
Further south, the Leaf River near McLain is expected to reach 22 feet by mid-week, rising above its 18-foot flood stage and affecting Perry, George, and Greene Counties. The Tangipahoa River at Osyka briefly crossed its flood level of 15 feet over the weekend but is now receding.
In Louisiana, the Tangipahoa River near Robert is forecast to crest at 18 feet early Tuesday, affecting secondary roads and triggering backflow from Chappepeela Creek, which has already submerged low-lying sections of Highway 22, according to NWS New Orleans. The agency also issued a warning for the Tickfaw River near Montpelier, which is expected to breach its 13-foot flood stage starting Monday night. Farmers in the area have been advised to relocate livestock and machinery to higher ground.
Flooding was also reported along the Bogue Chitto River at Franklinton, where the water is forecast to peak at 16 feet, inundating areas west of Louisiana Highway 10. Nearby, the Bogue Chitto near Bush is projected to reach 13.5 feet, affecting homes situated downstream of Highway 21.
Local governments continue to issue alerts, monitor river levels, and coordinate responses. The NWS emphasizes that most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles, urging people to avoid water-covered roads and to remain alert to changing forecasts. While none of the current events have escalated to major disaster declarations, the spread of simultaneous flooding across three states has put pressure on regional authorities, especially in rural and agricultural areas.
