Flood Update for January 6

Posted on January 6, 2016.

• No reports of major damage caused by high water

• This morning at 10:45, David Purkey, Assistant Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Deputy  Commissioner of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, will be at the Shelby County Office of Preparedness Emergency Operations Center to receive a status report about the flood preparations

Current Conditions in Shelby County

• All main roads are open
• No major damage to homes or businesses in Memphis and Shelby County
• Fire, police and office of preparedness staff continue to visit neighborhoods prone to flooding in these areas:

1. 38053-Woodstock-Millington Area
2. 38103-Downtown Memphis
3. 38105-North Memphis
4. 38106-South Memphis
5. 38107-North Memphis
6. 38108-North Memphis
7. 38109-Westwood
8. 38113-Presidents Island
9. 38116-Whitehaven
10. 38127-Frayser, Northaven, Shelby Forest
11. 38128-Frayser and Raleigh

Total “High Water” visits made by emergency responders since December 29, 2015: 120

The Mississippi River is above flood stage of 34 Feet

• Mississippi River Level: 38.89 feet
• Mississippi River Crest:  5 feet expected Friday, January 8, 2016

Flood Forecast Maps

Flood Response Efforts

• Shelby County Office of Preparedness Emergency Operations Center is open 24 hours
• Representatives from fire, police, public works, health department and shelter support agencies are staffing the emergency operations center

Current High Water Area Threats

1. Downtown in the Harbor Town neighborhood on Mud Island-Water in yards and outdoor storage areas

• Island Place East
• Running River Place
• River Landing Drive
• Harbor Isle Circle North
• Marina Cottage Cove

1. Unincorporated Shelby County-near the Frayser area-Billion Road at Old Cuba-Benjestown Road-high water is in fields and yards

Barricaded Areas Due to High Water

• 1400 block of Stonewall Street
• Jackson Hill at Robinson Hill-road to the Shelby Forest Boat Ramp
• Second Street between Mud Island drive and the Stiles Treatment Center
• Island Drive at Mud Island Drive
• Island Place East
• Billion Road at Old Cuba-Benjestown Road
• Boat ramp at Greenbelt Park
• Rodney Baber Park on James Road

Flood Water Prevention Tips from the Shelby County Health Department

• Limit contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of contaminants, including raw sewage and other hazardous materials

• Avoid wading, swimming, playing, or boating in floodwaters. It only takes six inches of moving flood water to carry a person away

• If you do come into contact with flood water, immediately wash your hands with disinfecting soap

• Early symptoms from exposure to contaminated flood water may include upset stomach, intestinal problems, headache and other flu-like discomfort – seek immediate medical attention

• Do not allow pets to walk through or drink flood water