MEMPHIS — Officers are going door-to-door to urge Memphis residents to leave homes expected to be inundated by a near-record flood of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Emergency workers are handing out bright yellow fliers that read, "Evacuate!!! Your property is in danger right now."
Local officials don't have the authority to order people to evacuate, so they hope the fliers persuade them to leave voluntarily.
Shelby County Division Fire Chief Joseph Rike said about 950 households in Memphis and about 135 homes in Shelby County will get the notices.
Shelters have been opened, and the fliers include a phone number to arrange transportation for people who need it.
The flooding is expected to affect these areas before the projected crest of the Mississippi on Wednesday.