Themis Street floodgate opens

Andy Juden Jr., president of the Main Street Levee District, said the Themis Street floodgate was opened today. The pumping station continues to operate.

He said thunder storms predicted over the next several days will not likely require closing the gates again.

"We usually have 24 to 36 hours' notice on a rise in the river, but that comes from up north, not from the rain," he said.

Juden said his only real concern about the bands of thunderstorms predicted for the next few days is whether it will affect power.

"If we lose power, we don't have pumps," he said.

The National Weather Service predicts the Mississippi River will fall below flood stage by 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127