RISING

Mississippi River Flooding at Faster Pace

Could crest in Memphis a day earlier than expected.

The Mississippi River may challenge record heights at Memphis on Monday evening, half a day sooner than expected—but the mayor says the city is prepared. The river is expected to reach 48 feet, just below the 48.7-foot record set in 1937. It’s already swamped houses in Memphis, and residents of more than 1,300 homes have been told to evacuate. For those living a safe distance from the river, however, the flood has become something of a spectacle. It’s "probably the biggest tourist attraction in Memphis," said Scott Umstead, who drove into town to watch water pool at the end of Beale Street. After the water crests in Memphis, the flood is expected to inundate the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana. In Baton Rouge, residents have been told to expect water five to 25 feet deep over parts of seven parishes.