As many Jackson residents are facing the possibility that their homes and businesses may flood with the Pearl River now projected to crest at 36 feet by Monday, officials are urging people to evacuate as soon as possible from low-lying flood-prone areas.

The benchmark, officials say, is areas that flooded during a similar flood along the Pearl River in Jackson in 2020.

Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency for the affected areas and areas impacted by flash flooding earlier this week during a Saturday press conference.