National Weather Service: Moderate flooding to occur along Mississippi River over next few days

Water from the Mississippi River floods an observation ramp at Riverfront Park on Monday, July 8, in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Keenan Baker ~ kbaker@semissourian.com

Minor flooding along the Mississippi River began Friday, July 5, and is forecast to continue until Wednesday, July 17.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Paducah, Kentucky, forecast a crest in Cape Girardeau at 36.5 feet for Thursday afternoon, July 11 — potentially the highest local water level in three years, largely because of heavy rains and remnants of storms from Hurricane Beryl.

Since 2020, the highest recorded crest was 37.83 feet in late March 2021. However, Cape Girardeau and surrounding areas aren’t far removed from the historically high water levels of 2016 (48.86 feet) and 2019 (46.36 feet), the latter of which was above the “flood stage” of 32 feet for nearly five months.

Despite the weight the word “flood” typically carries, representatives from the NWS-Paducah and the St. Louis Army Corps of Engineers urge those concerned not to worry.

“As of right now, we’re not expecting that to have a huge impact,” a representative for the St. Louis Corps of Engineers said. “Nothing too crazy.”

A representative for the NWS in Paducah said the water levels measured in Cape Girardeau are “not common, but not abnormal".

While the water levels are not currently dangerous, prolonged high water makes it difficult for the river to find relief, leaving it vulnerable to more flooding. Flash flood warnings are in effect for Southeast Missouri, with heavy rainfall approaching because of the remnants of Beryl and summer thunderstorms.

During the summer months, the higher water levels and tropical downpours are good reminders to maintain a connection with local weather stations and news for any alerts. Those curious about observing and forecasting water levels may visit the NWS website for Cape Girardeau at https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/cpgm7.