Memphis / Mississippi River

What you should know about Memphis and the Mississippi River:

-    The river may be high but we are dry!

-    The river crested in the early morning of Tuesday, May 10th and is expected to recede on schedule.

-    Memphis is known as the Bluff City for a reason. We were founded on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff, high above the Mississippi River. The original city, now known as the Downtown Core, is the highest elevation along the Mississippi River from Cairo to Natchez. The elevation of Front Street at Union is about 78 feet on the Memphis gauge, or about 30 feet higher than the water is expected to rise.

-    One downtown attraction has been affected by the high water. Mud Island River Park is temporarily closed due to the lack of access for road traffic and emergency vehicles. All other Memphis attractions are open for business as usual. They are scheduled to re-open on Monday, May 24th.

-    All other businesses on Mud Island, including the River Inn, Paulette’s, Tug’s and Miss Cordelia’s are open.

-    Mirimichi golf course in Millington, TN and the Tunica Casinos (located 45 minutes from downtown Memphis in Tunica, MS) are currently closed.

-    Memphis’ world famous hospitality is ready and waiting to welcome you to the home of the Blues.  All hotels are open.

-    Memphis International Airport has not been affected by the river in any way.

-    Memphis is accessible by all major highways and roadways. Any detours are clearly marked and should not interfere with your trip into the city. Please visit http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/ for more information.

-    Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is happening as scheduled. The event has relocated to Tiger Lane / Memphis Fairgrounds. A downtown shuttle system will be available for those attending.

-    Memphis in May’s Sunset Symphony will be held at Tom Lee Park.

-    Memphis Riverboats are welcoming record numbers of visitors for an amazing view of the Mighty Mississippi.

-    The Grizzlies are now in the second round of the playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Thunder lead the series 3-2. The FedExForum has not and will not be affected by the water. Please join our record sold-out crowds and continue to cheer our hometown team on during this unprecedented run.

-    There is some flooding at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Beale Street, which is closed. The entertainment section of Beale Street, between Second and Fourth Streets is untouched by the water and all businesses are open and ready for a Memphis party as always.

-    The high water in Memphis is affecting residents, but not visitors. All visitors are invited for a great view of the river.

-    Approximately 1,500 households have been impacted, which is less than 1% of all Memphis households (.55%). It is estimated that less than 5,000 residents have been impacted, which is less than 1% of the Memphis population (0.77%). Well less than 20% of the land area of the city as been impacted by the rising water. Most of this is unpopulated floodplain that has agricultural or recreational uses.

-    There are more great reasons than ever to come to Memphis. Don’t miss it!

"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," - Bob Nations Jr., director of the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency