MISSISSIPPI FLOW REPORT
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Mississippi's rivers and streams are experiencing notable fluctuations in streamflow, indicative of dynamic seasonal trends and potential hydrological events. For river enthusiasts and water managers alike, the current state of flow in the Tombigbee, Chickasawhay, Leaf, Pascagoula, Pearl, and Big Black Rivers, among others, provides a mixed picture. While the Tombigbee River at Aberdeen Lock and Dam reports a significant rise in streamflow, with a 24-hour change of 1465.57 cubic feet per second (cfs), reaching 1910 cfs, other locations like the Buttahatchee River near Aberdeen and Luxapallila Creek near Columbus are seeing streamflows at around 90% below normal, with current readings at 335 cfs and 283 cfs, respectively. Waterways such as the Leaf River and the Pearl River near Monticello are also well below their normal flows, suggesting a statewide trend of diminished streamflow that could impact aquatic ecosystems and water supply.
Particularly striking are the streamflow measurements at Hanging Moss Creek near Jackson and Harland Creek near Howard, which display anomalously high percent normal flows of 1015.99% and 267.9%, respectively, indicating potential localized flooding risks. In contrast, the Mississippi River at Vicksburg is flowing at 303,000 cfs, which is 46.07% below normal, reflecting broader regional influences that may impact major cities and watersheds downstream. These variations impact popular recreational areas and whitewater trails, where water levels can significantly affect safety and accessibility. As the state's river systems meander through distinct elevation changes, from the Highlands in the northeast to the Gulf Coastal Plain, it is crucial for those engaging in water-based activities to remain informed about current conditions and heed advisories, particularly during times of abnormal flow and potential flooding events.
Mississippi is a state with a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Major surface flows in the state include the Mississippi River, which forms the western border of the state, and its major tributaries, such as the Yazoo River and the Big Black River. There are also several large reservoirs and dams in Mississippi, including the Ross Barnett Reservoir and the Sardis Lake. The state's hydrology is influenced by its topography, which is characterized by low-lying coastal plains in the south and higher elevation regions in the north. Snowpack is generally not a significant factor in Mississippi's hydrology, but heavy rain events and tropical storms can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
Explore Rivers
- Biloxi River
- Buffalo River
- Buttahatchee River
- Chickasawhay River
- Chunky River
- Coldwater River
- Escatawpa River
- Hatchie River
- Homochitto River
- Leaf River
- Little Tallahatchie River
- Mississippi River
- Noxubee River
- Pascagoula River
- Pearl River
- Skuna River
- Strong River
- Tallahatchie River
- Tangipahoa River
- Tombigbee River
- Wolf River
- Yalobusha River
- Yockanookany River
- Yocona River