Clarification: Photos show overtopping of frontline levee near Mississippi County airport

Editor's note: This story has been changed to clarify the location of the overtopped levee.

A source that has been closely monitoring the situation at the Birds Point levee has submitted photos to the Southeast Missourian that apparently show natural overtopping at the frontline levee along the Birds Point New Madrid Floodway. The levee is said to be directly east of the Mississippi County airport.

The photos, taken from an airplane, were submitted just after 2 p.m. Monday.

The Army Corps of Engineers personnel at the Sikeston command center weren't immediately aware of the overtopping, but said it could happen.

"It would be expected at this level," said corps spokesman Jim Pogue.

This photo shows natural overtopping at the frontline levee on the Mississippi River on the Birds Point New Madrid Floodway. (submitted photo)

Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh was expected to make an announcement at 5 p.m. about the next course of action on the Birds Point situation.

Look for updates soon at www.semissourian.com.