RISING WATERS CLOSE STREETS

The rising Mississippi River forced the closing of six Cape Girardeau streets by late Saturday. A revised National Weather Service Report predicts the river should crest Tuesday at 40.1 feet - eight feet above flood stage.

"Several homes and businesses could be affected if the river reaches the 40-foot level," said Sgt. Carl Kinnison of the Cape Girardeau Police Department. "A number of streets will also be closed."

The river stage at 10 a.m. Saturday was 38.4 at Cape Girardeau.

The Mississippi River Broadway flood gate in Cape Girardeau was also closed Friday.

At least six city streets had been closed by late Saturday. The included:

Beech and LaCruz Streets off of South Sprigg.

East Cape Rock Drive, past Cape Rock, near the pumping station.

Second and Water Streets just outside the North flood gate.

First and Main Streets.

A section of North End Blvd., from Lorimier to Chestnut.

Kinnison, public information officer for emergency operations for the city of Cape Girardeau, is alerting residents to the fact flooding may occur in certain areas of the city, primarily in the Red Star District, South Cape and other areas close to the river.

"Streets which are closed are barricaded," said Kinnison. "Motorists should find an alternate road if they find water over the roadway."

The National Weather Service said Wednesday the Mississippi River would crest Monday at 37.5 feet, but rains Thursday and Friday have resulted in a revised forecast which calls for a 40.1 foot crest Tuesday.

Bob King, chairman of the Salvation Army Disaster Committee, announced Saturday that the Salvation army is prepared to assist individuals if flooding occurs.

Capt. Elmer Trapp has been in touch with many residents of the flood area. "I was out late last week and again on Saturday," said Trapp. "At this point, the residents seem to think the water will not affect their homes."

King and Trapp urge anyone needing help to call the Salvation Army office, 335-7000.

The Mississippi has been at or above the 32-foot flood stage daily at Cape Girardeau since April 3.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that a portion of Illinois Route 3, between Rockwood and Cora, near Chester, may have to be closed.

"We anticipate closing the road Sunday," said a DOT spokesman Saturday.

Traffic will be detoured south of Cora via Illinois route 151 to Illinois Route 4 to Illinois Route 50, which will rejoin Route 3 in Chester.

Flooding along the Mississippi river has had minimal impact in Cape Girardeau, but high water has resulted in lowland flooding in unprotected areas along both sides of the river and along the north side of the Diversion Channel from Allenville to the Mississippi south of Cape Girardeau. Water is backing up in fields south of Route 146 between East Cape Girardeau, Ill. and Clear Creek and along Route 3 south to the levee near Gale.