Mississippi River expected to reach flood stage in Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — The Mississippi River is expected to reach flood stage in Cape Girardeau on Thursday, but city officials say residents should not expect major impacts.

Assistant Public Works Director Brock Davis said the river is forecast to reach 32 feet Thursday morning, which is considered flood stage for Cape Girardeau. In response, the city plans to open its pump stations and keep them operating until water levels begin to fall.

“The river is coming up a little bit,” Davis said. “Flood stage for Cape Girardeau is 32 and it will reach 32 tomorrow morning. So, we will open up the pump stations.”

According to Davis, one pump station is located on Merriwether Street, and another is near Mill Street behind the casino. The stations help manage stormwater when rising river levels prevent water from draining naturally into the Mississippi River.

Davis said the river is expected to crest at approximately 32.5 feet before beginning to fall later this week. The city does not expect significant disruptions from this week’s rise in river levels.

“It shouldn’t affect the community very little if any at all,” Davis said. “We don’t close flood gates until like 34 feet, so we’re way far from that.”

City officials say no road closures or major impacts are anticipated, and the river could fall back below flood stage by Saturday morning.