Mississippi Seeks Federal Disaster Declaration

A delegation of elected officials from Mississippi is seeking a federal disaster declaration for the state. Mississippi, much like other states near major U.S. rivers, is experiencing record flooding. In a letter to the Trump administration, the state’s lawmakers reported 43 of the state’s 82 counties have been affected by flooding this spring. The state reports more than 1,300 homes have been damaged, along with 35 bridges and 938 reports of damage to roadways.

Earlier this month, NOAA said flooding in southern states, including Mississippi, could be “potentially historic.” Historic flooding is already occurring across the Midwest and flood waters in several areas have eclipsed previous records held since 1993. Minor to moderate flooding has been a threatening issue to the entire Mississippi and Missouri river basins since last summer and fall. Flood advisories, watches and warning are in effect along nearly the entire length of both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

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