Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
16 May 2011 09:50
Memphis neighbourhoods have been hit following the Mississippi River floods
Hundreds of people have been driven from their homes after the the Mississippi River expanded to levels not seen since the 1930s and swamped properties in low-lying neighbourhoods.
Officials said they are confident that the levees will protect the most famous musical landmarks in Memphis, such as Graceland and Beale Street. They also predicted that no new areas would have any serious flooding.
Tourists planning on heading to the area should secure single trip travel insurance in case their plans are ruined by the flooding.
While people in Memphis wait for the river to crest at a projected mark slightly lower than the record set in 1937, officials in Louisiana have begun evacuating prisoners from the state's toughest jail and opened floodgates to relieve pressure on levees outside New Orleans.
Authorities have gone door-to-door to 1,300 homes in Memphis over the past few days warning people to leave, but attention is now turning to a labour-intensive clean up, which signals that the worst is probably over.
Cory Williams, chief of geotechnical engineering for the Army Corps of Engineers in Memphis, said: "Where the water is today, is where the water is going to be."
Exactly how many people heeded the warnings was not immediately clear, but more than 300 people were staying in shelters and police stepped up patrols in evacuated areas to prevent looting.
"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, director of the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency.
08 July 2019
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
[more...]
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.