(CNN) -- As the Mississippi River slowly swelled downstream Friday, residents were making preparations for the expected flooding to come, even as federal authorities pondered whether to use a key mechanism to redirect much of the water. It is "extremely likely" that the Morganza Spillway will be opened by Saturday night or Sunday morning at the latest, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said Friday. And although he emphsized that no decision had been made, he warned residents in the areas around the spillway to expect flooding and plan accordingly.
Opening the spillway could lower anticipated cresting levels along the lower Mississippi River and divert water away from Baton Rouge and New Orleans, but would flood much of low-lying south-central Louisiana.
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