Corps of Engineers opens gates at St. John's Bayou

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Backwater flooding may soon be diminishing.

The Army Corps of Engineers reported the flood gates from the St. Johns Bayou into the Mississippi River were opened at 2:25 a.m. Thursday. Previously the Corps was using five pumps near New Madrid to move some of the water from the bayou.

The backwater is creating flooding for areas of New Madrid and Mississippi counties and has caused water to surge over Interstate 55.

Jim Pogue, spokesman with the Army Corps of Engineers, said the end of the backwater flooding will depend on the weather. "We are watching it closely and, like everyone else, we are hoping it will be soon."