Flooding expected to continue this weekend

Major flooding of the Mississippi River is expected to continue into the weekend, keeping some roads closed and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers monitoring flood control.

Authorities are asking recreational swimmers and boaters to be safe on lakes, rivers and streams during the holiday weekend.

As of late Thursday, the river at Cape Girardeau was expected to crest at 43 1/2 feet Saturday morning, which is more than 11 feet above flood stage, the National Weather Service reported.

High water levels will be seen downriver from Cape Girardeau, although floodwaters along the river aren't expected to cause major damage to structures.

The Corps on Wednesday reactivated intensive monitoring of flood-risk reduction known as a "Phase II floodfight," in which levees and other systems are checked around the clock, but the Corps' Memphis District emergency manager Steve Barry said the monitoring would last only a short time, as forecasts showed it might not be needed next week.

Flooding, which began last month, has closed the campground and boat access ramp at Trail of Tears State Park in Cape Girardeau County, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources reported.

The camp will be closed until at least July 14.

Chances for rain, which could be heavy at times, continue through the weekend and could exacerbate flooding and associated dangerous conditions in lakes, rivers and streams across Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee, the National Weather Service reported.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will enforce a no-wake policy for boats today at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks under direction of Gov. Jay Nixon.

Releases from a dam at the lake may cause the order to be lifted by Saturday, a news release from the governor's office stated.

The Corps of Engineers' Nashville District office on Friday also warned of potentially dangerous water levels this weekend on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in Kentucky.

People at the lakes should be aware of floating and underwater hazards that can come with high water levels, Bob Sneed, the district's water management section chief, said in a news release.