“We will reach capacity,” he added, “and have no option but to release the water.”Time ran out on Saturday evening. On Sunday, state officials continued to urge residents of flood-threatened areas to clear out, warning that the worst was still to come. “Protect yourself,” he said, “and protect your family.”The river reached levels on Sunday that had not been seen in more than 35 years. Water levels did not rise as quickly overnight as officials had anticipated, but officials braced for the flooding to continue to rise and spread, reaching farther into Jackson, the state capital, as well as other communities situated along the river. Forecasters have projected that by Monday the river would crest as high as 38 feet, a mark not seen since 1983.

Source: New York Times February 16, 2020 19:26 UTC