Mississippi River to reach flood stage by Saturday

The Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau is predicted to reach flood stage by Saturday and well above that next week after heavy rains fell across much of the Midwest.

The river will rise nearly 10 feet in the coming days and reach the flood stage of 32 feet Saturday morning, according to hydrograph reports by the National Weather Service.

The weather service also reported the river will crest at 36.5 feet the morning of Dec. 23 -- more than four feet above flood stage.

If forecasts hold true, the city likely will close the Themis Street flood gate next week. The gate usually is closed when the river rises past 34 feet.

The river reached flood stage at least twice earlier this year, including above 40 feet in July. The flooding closed several area roads, including parts of Highway 177, but caused little damage because of the city's flood-prevention system.

The all-time flood crest at Cape Girardeau is 48.49 feet on Aug. 8, 1993.

Meanwhile, parts of Missouri were under flood warnings Monday.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reported several highways are closed, including stretches of Missouri 23, 46, 48 and 129. Highway officials are urging drivers to use caution around water-covered roadways.

The National Weather Service is warning of minor to moderate flooding in mostly low-lying agricultural areas along several rivers, including the Missouri and Grand.