Flooding closes part of South Sprigg Street in Cape

Cape Girardeau officials closed South Sprigg Street at Old Highway 61 on Sunday afternoon when flooding made the area hazardous.

The flooding also will affect city services, as the transfer station will be closed until at least Wednesday. Leaf and Christmas-tree pickup are suspended, but there has been an area designated for Christmas tree drop-off in Arena Park.

Trash and recycling in Cape Girardeau are back on schedule after the holidays, and extra holiday trash may be put out with the normal garbage.

The city also is urging people not to obstruct traffic to observe or photograph the Mississippi River, especially on the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, because such actions create a hazard for other motorists and spectators themselves.

At 8:30 p.m. Sunday, the Mississippi River had receded to 47.2 feet, more than a foot lower than Friday's record-high crest of 48.86 feet, according to hydrologic reports from the National Weather Service.

The river is expected to recede steadily over the coming days, dipping from "major" to "moderate" flood status -- which is 42 feet -- by Wednesday.

The flood shelter at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau will remain open, Sara Gerau, executive director Red Cross of Southeast Missouri, said in a news release Sunday afternoon. She said those who need emergency assistance can call (573) 335-9471.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627