MACON, Ga. (AP) -- Forecasters say the Ocmulgee River in the Macon area is projected to rise even higher than first thought.

The National Weather Service said the river was at 20.7 feet -- and rising -- at 4 a.m. Wednesday.

The river's flood stage is 18 feet.

The weather service said it is expected to rise to near 21.9 feet by Wednesday evening.

At nearly 22 feet, forecasters said much of the Macon Greenway Ocmulgee Heritage Trail will be flooded north of the Fifth Street Bridge in Macon. The weather service said agricultural flooding will also occur.

This week's crest is expected to be near the level of a previous crest of 21.9 feet on Feb. 7, 2010.

In Columbus, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that sections of the Chattahoochee RiverWalk were under water.