River level in Cape forecast to reach 40 feet

For the past week, the Mississippi River has hovered around Cape Girardeau's official flood stage of 32 feet, but the National Weather Service is predicting a steady rise over the next few days.

The river is expected to crest at 40 feet on Monday.

Cape Girardeau assistant public works director Stan Polivick said the city is watching river levels and has opened both pump stations, which are activated when the river hits flood stage to allow stormwater to be pumped out without allowing river water to back up into the system.

The city also is preparing to close pedestrian gates as the water rises.

"We'll close Themis, then Broadway right behind it," Polivick said.

The Themis Street gate, which closes at 35 feet, likely will be closed today or no later than Thursday morning, he said.

The Broadway gate is expected to be closed by Friday morning. It closes at 37.5 feet.

If the river reaches 40 feet, Polivick said the North Main Street gate also may close. City procedure calls for it to be closed at 39.5 feet. He said the decision will be made after coordinating with the railroad.

Nailing down a date for the closure of the gates is difficult because of how quickly the river may rise. Polivick said readings by the city so far show the water is rising faster than predictions.

Last week, the river reached about 35 feet, which Polivick said was not "a big deal," but 40 feet is worthy of a little more concern.

"I don't think it will affect city roadways, but people will need to be mindful," he said, as some low-lying roads around the county could be covered by floodwater.

Thanks to buyouts, few residential properties around Cape Girardeau have reason to worry when the river inches closer to major flood stage, but farmland will be affected. Many farmers already are behind on planting this year thanks to a wet spring.

Doyle Parmer, who for many years has served as Dutchtown's emergency management coordinator, said 40 feet is not enough to raise any major concerns about flooding in the village.

"They don't get excited until 42 feet," he said.

The National Weather Service and Federal Emergency Management Agency also cite 42 feet as the level at which homes and structures in southern Cape Girardeau County may be cut off by backwater flooding from the Diversion Channel. At that level, several roads are covered, and thousands of acres are flooded, the agencies say.

Because Dutchtown received a grant last year for a federal buyout of properties damaged by floods in 2011, Parmer said the focus is on meeting its required 25 percent grant match instead of sandbagging.

Last year, the Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded Dutchtown $208,663 in community development block grant funds to help buy properties. FEMA approved $797,758 toward the buyout.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Dutchtown, Mo.