Residents near the Pearl River are bracing for potential flooding as heavy rain continues to impact the area, with officials warning that water releases from the reservoir dam could affect neighborhoods in Jackson and Byram. The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District said the recent rainfall may put too much pressure on the dam, potentially requiring the release of 30,000 cubic feet per second of water. Officials said the water release could impact areas in Jackson and Byram. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park has already closed due to water being released from the dam, and evacuations have taken place. Byram Mayor Richard White said the city has been working to prevent flooding from the Pearl River. He said that over the past two years, the city has been building a detention and retention pond designed to hold stormwater and release it gradually. White said the pond was completed in February, just in time for the rainy season. Byram residents on Meagan Road say it has been effective. They said in the past they would typically see a lot of water flooding the streets, but now that rarely ever happens.White added that the city is most concerned about elevated homes near the Swinging Bridge, where water may sit below the structures. The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District is expected to meet Wednesday morning with weather partners to review updated forecasts and determine whether operational changes are needed.
Residents near the Pearl River are bracing for potential flooding as heavy rain continues to impact the area, with officials warning that water releases from the reservoir dam could affect neighborhoods in Jackson and Byram.
The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District said the recent rainfall may put too much pressure on the dam, potentially requiring the release of 30,000 cubic feet per second of water.
Officials said the water release could impact areas in Jackson and Byram. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park has already closed due to water being released from the dam, and evacuations have taken place.
Byram Mayor Richard White said the city has been working to prevent flooding from the Pearl River. He said that over the past two years, the city has been building a detention and retention pond designed to hold stormwater and release it gradually.
White said the pond was completed in February, just in time for the rainy season. Byram residents on Meagan Road say it has been effective. They said in the past they would typically see a lot of water flooding the streets, but now that rarely ever happens.
White added that the city is most concerned about elevated homes near the Swinging Bridge, where water may sit below the structures.
The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District is expected to meet Wednesday morning with weather partners to review updated forecasts and determine whether operational changes are needed.