COLD KEEPS COAST GUARD ON TOES

Low river levels and low temperatures are not a good mix for barge traffic on the Mississippi River.

And, that's the way things are right now.

Another bout of bitter cold has moved into the region, and with a winter storm watch on for today, the U.S. Coast Guard office at Paducah, Ky. is keeping a eye on the Mississippi River.

"We don't anticipate any problems," said Lt. Tom Boyles late Tuesday. "We've in touch with the U.S. Corps of Engineers. They tells us the water level is low in some places, but the water is moving. But, we'll be keeping a close eye on things."

The last time the Mississippi closed because of ice floes and low water was in February 1996, when the river was closed for a week between St. Louis, and Cairo, Ill.

Tuesday's river stage at Cape Girardeau was 6.8 feet and falling.

Overnight temperatures were expected to drop to 15, with an east wind of about 5 miles per hour, and a chance of snow.