VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) – The City of Vicksburg and other emergency officials addressed the rising levels of the Mississippi River.

In early April, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Jr., declared a State of Emergency for the city due to rising river levels. The river is now expected to crest at 47.5 feet.

According to officials, flood walls and barricades have been installed in certain areas of the city.

John Elfer, the director of the Warren County Emergency Management Agency, said they expect 15 to 20 roads to close due to the floodwaters. He said the flooding is also expected to impact the Kings community and the Eagle Lake community.

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Executive Director Stephen McCraney encouraged citizens to prepare for the possibility of their roads being cut off due to the flooding.

State Route 465 in Warren County is now expected to close on Friday, April 18.

According to the Vicksburg Public Works Department, five gates in the city have been closed along the Mississippi River as of Monday, April 14.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District announced the Steele Bayou Control Structure has been closed and is expected to remain closed for more than two weeks. The USACE has provided two pumps, barriers and sandbags to the City of Vicksburg ahead of the flooding.