Memphis music landmarks safe from waters for now

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Mississippi River rose toward the highest level ever in Memphis, flooding pockets of low-lying neighborhoods and forcing hundreds from their homes, though the water was not threatening the music heartland's most recognizable landmarks.

In Memphis, emergency officials were confident the levees would hold, but warned the river was still dangerous and unpredictable. However, there were no plans for more evacuations, and areas like Beale Street, the famous thoroughfare known for blues music, and Elvis Presley's home, Graceland, were safe.

"I want to say this: Graceland is safe. And we would charge hell with a water pistol to keep it that way and I'd be willing to lead the charge," said Bob Nations Jr., director of the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency.

Pictures: Mississippi River flooding

On the horizon, rain was forecast for later, that could bring the danger of flash flooding.

Forecasters said it looks like the river was starting to level out and could crest as soon as Monday night, at or near 48 feet (14.6 meters), just shy of the 48.7-foot (14.8-meter) mark set in 1937. Forecasters had previously predicted the crest would come as late as Wednesday.

Memphis residents have been abandoning low-lying homes for days as the dangerously surging river. The swollen river has already swamped houses in Memphis.

But while some evacuated, others came as spectators. At Beale Street, the famous thoroughfare known for blues music, dozens gawked and snapped photos Sunday as water pooled at the end of the road. Traffic was heavy downtown on a day the streets would normally be quiet.

The river is "probably the biggest tourist attraction in Memphis," said Scott Umstead, who made the half-hour drive from Collierville with his wife and their three children.

Col. Vernie Reichling, Army Corps of Engineers commander for the Memphis district, said the homes in most danger of flooding are in areas not protected by levees or floodwalls, including near Nonconnah Creek and the Wolf and Loosahatchie rivers.

About 150 Corps workers were walking along levees and monitoring performance of pump stations

"There should be no concern for any levees to fail," he said in a downtown park on a bluff overlooking the river.