Storms cause Mississippi River to rise again

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The up-again-down-again Mississippi River is back above flood stage from the southern tip of Iowa through Missouri, leaving some communities on edge as more storms threaten to bring more water.

Parts of southern Iowa, northern Missouri and western Illinois received 5-7 inches of rain earlier this week -- one northeast Missouri county reported 10 inches. The Mississippi and its tributaries were still high from flooding earlier this month.

The National Weather Service expects flooding from Keokuk, Iowa, south through Cape Girardeau. According to the latest forecast, the river at Cape Girardeau is expected to fall near flood stage -- 32 feet -- by Friday, but rebound to near 34 feet by Sunday. The river stood at 33.84 feet Wednesday morning.

Several smaller rivers are expected to see near-record flood levels, including the Chariton and the three branches of the Fabius in northern Missouri.

The Weather Service says more storms are possible through the weekend.