News Summary
Residents of Memphis are bracing for more rain this weekend, with concerns of flooding as the Wolf River approaches critical levels. Flash Flood Warnings have been issued for Shelby County, and officials are urging safety precautions as the region prepares for heavy rainfall that could bring up to a foot of rain in some areas. The situation is critical especially in neighborhoods like Germantown and Cordova, where the impact of rising water levels is significant.
Flooding Woes Hit Memphis as Heavy Rain Approaches
As the weekend approaches, residents of Memphis are bracing for more wet weather that could lead to serious flooding issues. The Wolf River is already showing signs of trouble, with rising waters causing concerns in neighborhoods across the Memphis area.
What’s Happening with the Wolf River
The Wolf River, a 105-mile waterway flowing northwest through Tennessee before emptying into the mighty Mississippi, reached a concerning depth of 14.68 feet at 10 PM Thursday night. This level puts it just shy of the 15-foot mark, which is recognized as a major flood stage in nearby Raleigh. Unfortunately, minor flooding has already started to affect areas such as Germantown, Collierville, and Rossville, leaving many residents on edge as forecasts indicate more rain is on the way.
The Rain Is Not Done Yet
Weather predictability is in favor of the Mid-South, with forecasts showing that we could see anywhere between 6 to 10 inches of rain by the end of Saturday. For those living north of Shelby County, the situation is even grimmer, with projections suggesting that up to a foot of precipitation could fall in some areas. As a result, officials are warning residents around creeks, streams, and rivers to prepare for possible flooding and to familiarize themselves with safe evacuation routes.
Local Flooding Concerns
Flash Flood Warnings have been issued for Shelby County and surrounding areas, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The downpours have already caused widespread flooding, with multiple reports of water inundating streets, parking lots of businesses, and residential areas. Places like Highland Street in Memphis have seen particularly bad conditions, where roads have turned into rivers, affecting both cars and pedestrians alike.
Taking Precautions
With the rainfall already leading to flooded streets and increased emergency calls, responders are on high alert. Multiple agencies are preparing for potential rescues as water levels continue to rise. The Shelby County Fire Department has emphasized the importance of avoiding rising waters and has urged everyone to stay away from flooded areas.
Neighborhood Updates
Conditions are worsening in neighborhoods like Bethel Grove and Cordova, leading to significant disruptions. Germantown officials have reported that rising water levels have forced the closure of parts of the Germantown Greenway and Lansdowne Park. Additionally, Poplar Avenue in East Memphis is unfriendly for motorists navigating around Clark Tower and the Jewish Community Center, where severe flooding has made travel difficult.
Major Impact Beyond Memphis
Itโs important to note that the plight of flooding doesnโt end at the city limits of Memphis. Neighboring areas, like DeSoto County in Mississippi, are also facing challenges due to high water levels. Traffic has been impacted, and road conditions have deteriorated, adding to the concern for anyone needing to travel.
Driver Safety Is Crucial
Experts are issuing warnings about the dangers of driving through shallow standing water, as vehicles can easily stall and lead to serious accidents. The Bartlett Police Department joins in the chorus of safety reminders, urging everyone to use caution and to avoid driving through any areas where the water is notably high. The mantra everyone should remember is: turn around, donโt drown.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, as Memphis gears up for a potentially challenging weekend of weather, itโs essential for everyone to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. With emergency services on standby and a watchful eye on the weather, the hope is that the community can weather this storm together.
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Additional Resources
- Local Memphis: Flooding in Memphis
- Local Memphis: Wolf River Flood Stage
- WREG: Heavy Rain Swells Shelby County Creek
- Google Search: flooding Memphis
- Action News 5: Flooding Impacting Motorists
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Memphis Flyer: Severe Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rain
- Fox 13 Memphis: Collierville Bridge Inspection
- Google News: flooding Memphis 2023
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
