Upper Mississippi River already flooded before Beryl

The Mississippi River has already been at flood stage before the drenching rains of Beryl move across Missouri and Illinois today.

At Cape Girardeau, the river has been at flood stage of 29 feet since last Friday. It is forecast to crest near moderate flood stage at 36 feet this week.

Flooding has been more severe on the upper Mississippi along the Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri borders. Riverboat cruises at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis have not been able to operate since July 5 due to fast-moving currents and large pieces of debris. The ramps for the cruise ships Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher have been underwater.

The U.S. Coast Guard has placed restrictions on recreational use of the Mississippi and has also been keeping its boats docked because of the water levels. 

According to the National Weather Service, the Mississippi River from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau should drop below flood stage by Thursday or Friday of this week. 

The lower Ohio River has not seen flooding problems recently. At Cairo a Thursday crest this week will just reach 32 feet. Minor flooding begins at 40 feet.




St. Louis riverboats during a previous flood. (Photo: noaa.gov)