The Mississippi River is a disaster on the move. It's expected to crest in Memphis by Wednesday at or near record highs.


Memphis is getting ready. As the waters of the Mississippi River continue to rise, the city is bracing for a flood the likes of which most have never known.

"I've never seen anything like this. This is historic."

Volunteers are filling sandbags. The levees and floodgates that protect the city are leaking. Utility crews are busy shutting down streets as the river creeps into the city.

Only once before, in 1937, has Memphis been threatened with the river this high. The tourists on old Beale Street never expected this.

Saturday night residents were on the move. Thousands are being told to evacuate, and city leaders say they may need to build a tent-city for the evacuees.