QUITMAN COUNTY, Miss. — Water levels from the Coldwater River near the Quitman County jail are high and may continue flooding until April 14.

Quitman County EMA Director Jimmy Mathews is running the numbers as the Coldwater River threatens the town of Marks.

Mathews says the minor flood stage here is 39 feet, but on Friday, the Marks’ gauge was reading 40.5 feet.

He said that it appears it will remain above minor flood stage through April 14.

The flooding at Coldwater River has caused a “catch” bayou behind the Quitman County Jail to overflow, threatening the jail.

Mathews said the water is backing up behind the jail, and they have a sandbagged levee but it has compromised that levee. They plan to build another sandbag levee closer to the jail.

Northwest of Marks in Quitman County, the combination of flooding from the Coldwater River and four inches of rainfall has flooded farmlands, closed down roads, and even threatened some homes.

“There are some structures that have water in and around them. There are several homes that are inaccessible because of flood water,” said Mathews.

There is a stockpile of two thousand sandbags at the Quitman County warehouse available to the public.

If you need shelter, the Quitman County Middle School’s gym will provide cots and blankets. at 450 Humphrey Ave, Marks, MS 38646.