LA Times – Memphis braced for the raging Mississippi River to overflow its banks Monday and bring near-record flooding to the streets known for its music, especially the blues.

“We don’t have as much time, but fortunately we’re ready for it,” Mayor AC Wharton Jr. said, the city has also stepped up security patrols to prevent looting of property temporarily abandoned by those seeking the safety of higher ground.

The Mississippi River has been rising for days, giving residents a chance to flee before the crest, which had been expected to occur Tuesday, but forecasters have moved up their predictions, now saying they expected the river to crest sometime Monday.

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