The rain has stopped, but the flooding problem is really just beginning in parts of Jackson County.
Derek Misener is the coordinator for the county's emergency management agency. He says they're fighting high water issues on levees protecting residents from the Mississippi and Big Muddy Rivers.
"On the Mississippi, crews are working with the Corps of Engineers to look at adding rock to low spots. On the Big Muddy levee system, they're working on repairing a few slides."
Jackson County Sheriff Bob Burns says his deputies will be doing extra patrols in the western part of the county for those residents who have voluntarily evacuated.
"We have a number of residents that have left their residences unattended. So, we're going to be doing house watches. We encourage the residents that are evacuating to notify the sheriff's office so we have the availability of checking the residence, making sure everything is secure."
The county's animal control officer Lloyd Nelson says pets need care as well. He says make sure your pets have their medical information in order, their proper tags, and try to find a safe place for them to stay until the high water recedes.
The Mississippi is forecast to crest this weekend at a record of 49.8 feet. The Big Muddy at Murphysboro is forecast to crest at 33.5 feet by Friday evening.
