Curfew lifted in Cairo

CAIRO, Ill. -- A citywide curfew was lifted Monday by Cairo Mayor Tyrone Coleman, who kept the order in place even after allowing residents back in the city last week.

Residents were told to evacuate as the Ohio River crept to record highs, reaching 61.72 feet hours before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers breached a levee in Missouri. At 1 p.m. Monday, the river measured at 53.4 feet, just major flood stage at Cairo.

In a news release issued Monday morning, Coleman advised residents to be watchful for any problems that may arise because of the high river levels. Coleman also asked residents to stay clear of areas still marked with barricades or red tape. Those spots are still not safe to the public, he said.

By lifting the curfew, Coleman is allowing alcohol sales in the city to resume. Businesses were allowed to open Thursday, a day after he lifted the mandatory evacuation order.

Pertinent address:

Cairo, IL