Flood of 2016 breaks records

SIKESTON -- Widespread heavy rainfall across the Missouri and Mississippi River basins in late December has resulted in record flooding along parts of the Mississippi River.

The National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., said late Friday some of the levees along the river have been weakened or overtopped.

The Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is forecast to crest at 50 feet on Sunday -- well above its old record of 48.49 set in August 1993. The river was at 48.84 feet and rising slowly late Friday.

The river at Thebes, Ill., is expected to crest at 48.5 feet on Sunday. The river broke its previous record flood stage of 45.91 feet set in May 1995. On late Friday the river was at 47.6 feet and rising.

At New Madrid, the flood stage isn't expected to break the 48-foot record, and the river is expected to crest at 44 feet on Monday.

At Cairo, Ill., the Ohio River stage was at 55.8 late Friday; the river will continue rising to near 56.5 feet by Sunday morning, then begin falling. The Cairo gage is technically on the Ohio River, but it is strongly affected by backwater from the Mississippi River, the Weather Service said.

Cairo's record flood stage is 61.7 feet. At 56.0 feet, U.S. Highway 51 near Wickliffe, Ky., is flooded.

Due to the current river levels, the Birds Point New Madrid Floodway frontline levee is closed between Birds Point and New Madrid.

According to the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department, the levee closure will remain in effect until the river levels fall to below 43 feet on the Cairo gauge and 34 feet on the New Madrid gauge. Closures signs are posted on the levee and persons driving on the frontline levee may be cited or arrested for trespassing.

Also the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department has closed the levee in Pemiscot County to public access at the request of the levee district.

The National Weather Service reminds motorists to never drive cars, trucks or sport utility vehicles through flooded areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Never allow children to play in or near flood waters, the Weather Service said.

For this story and more, see the weekend edition of the Standard Democrat.