River predicted to crest Friday morning

The Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is forecast to rise about a foot higher between now and Friday morning, when the river level could reach 43 1/2 feet.

Flood stage at Cape Girardeau is 32 feet. The all-time record crest of the river at Cape Girardeau is 48.49 feet, set Aug. 8, 1993. A river level above 42 feet is considered "major" flood stage by the National Weather Service, and a flood warning continues for the area.

The river has been at or above flood stage since June 10, according to weather records maintained by the Southeast Missourian, and will remain high over the next several days, the National Weather Service reported Tuesday afternoon.

Rain, which may be heavy at times, also is forecast tonight, and there is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday.

River traffic was observed as sparse Tuesday, as many marine operators opted to stay off the swollen river. Several area highways and secondary roads in Cape Girardeau, Perry and Scott counties also remained closed Tuesday by backwater flooding.