FLOOD WARNINGS ISSUED FOR MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT LOUISIANA AND CLARKSVILLE

LOUISIANA, MO — Residents and motorists along the Mississippi River are being advised to prepare for rising water this weekend after the National Weather Service issued flood warnings Friday for Louisiana and Clarksville. Forecasters expect the river to climb above flood stage at both locations Sunday, with minor flooding continuing into the middle of next week.

At Louisiana, the Mississippi River stood at 12.6 feet late Friday morning, below the 15-foot flood stage. Forecasters expect the river to reach flood stage early Sunday and crest near 15.6 feet early Monday morning. At that level, flooding may begin affecting the first quarter-mile of Edison Avenue beyond the railroad tracks. The river is expected to fall below flood stage Wednesday morning.

Farther downstream at Clarksville, the river measured 21.8 feet Friday morning, with flood stage established at 25 feet. The National Weather Service predicts the river will rise above flood stage Sunday morning and crest near 25.9 feet early Monday afternoon. At approximately 25.5 feet, flooding begins affecting State Route P east of Elsberry, just beyond the levee. The river is forecast to drop below flood stage Wednesday evening.

Forecasters caution that additional rainfall could push river levels higher than currently predicted. Residents in low-lying areas should monitor updated river forecasts, while motorists are reminded never to attempt driving through flooded roadways.