Cape Girardeau officials warn some people in Red Star about river flooding

The water is already rising on the north and south sides of Cape Girardeau, according to Mark Hasheider, assistant fire chief and emergency operations director for Cape Girardeau.

When the Mississippi River crests at the predicted 44.5 feet on Sunday, a dozen or more homes and two businesses near the city's Red Star area, could see as much as four feet of water.

"Police and fire officials will be going to those business and homes that will be affected," he said. "We're making sure they are aware. We are actually knocking on doors."

He said some residents may not be aware of the flood risk because they did not live in the area in 1993 or '95. People don't have to leave right away, he said, but should be prepared to go before the waters rise on Sunday. They should also move belongings to places above the anticipated water line and pack bags in advance of a possible evacuation.

He said the people most affected live near Red Star or Sloan Creek.

The flooding will likely force street closures, he said. The city will post a list online, at www.cityofcapegirardeau.org, along with cleanup information from the county health department and links to SEMA and FEMA resources.

Hasheider said people should respect closed-street barriers.

"Water can sometimes give a false sense of security," he said. "People can't see the depth of the water, they feel a car is heavy and they can drive through it."

He said it much doesn't take water to move a car off the roadway. At night, it will be nearly impossible to tell if the water has washed away culverts or bridges.

"People need to make sure they have a safe route," he said.