(CNN) Authorities have activated an "emergency watch" and closed the gates of the Steele Bayou control structure Tuesday as high-water forecasts threaten the Mississippi River.

"We are currently experiencing higher-than-normal water stages across the region. We've activated our Emergency Operations Center to monitor the forecasted flows and its impacts on our infrastructure," said Vicksburg District Commander Col. Robert Hilliard. "The district has begun and will continue to work with its local, state and federal partners."

According to National Weather Service forecasts, the Mississippi River is expected to reach flood stage at the Arkansas City, Arkansas, and Greenville, Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi, gages by mid-January.

Extensive rain has extended flood warnings down the banks of the river about 700 miles. Daily rainfall records were broken Tuesday in Jackson, Meridian and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Jackson saw 4.5 inches, breaking the previous record of 1.48, Meridian had 2.06 inches breaking a 1.13 inch record and Vicksburg received 3.5 inches of rain after a .94 inch record.

The Oktibbeha County Lake Dam in eastern Mississippi is in imminent danger of failing and officials are warning residents to be ready to leave, county emergency management Director Kristen Campanella said Tuesday.

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