Crest prediction for Cape unchanged

Water covered but did not close Highway 177 at the northern city limits to Cape Girardeau Thursday, the first of a possibly increasing number of problems the Mississippi River could create as it rises toward its highest crest of the year.

The prediction for a crest of 43 feet on Wednesday remained unchanged even as additional rains fell in Iowa and northern Missouri. If the predicted crest is reached, it would be the highest river level since 2002.

At 9 p.m. Thursday, the river stage was 41.45 feet, virtually unchanged since Sunday. Flood stage is 32 feet.

Cape Girardeau County emergency management director Richard Knaup said a river level of 44 feet would trigger action to build a temporary levee down Highway 74 near Dutchtown to keep the intersection of Highway 25 and Route A open. Otherwise, he said he expects few problems from the projected crest.

Some county roads, especially in the Allenville area, may become impassable because of high water, Knaup said. "We are going to be watching it, no doubt," he said.