Mississippi River’s First Crest Pushed Back To This Weekend

The constantly changing forecast for the Mississippi River crest was pushed back to Friday, March 29, when the river was expected to reach 36.5 feet on the gauge at Chester, Illinois.

The river had reached 35.07 feet in the early morning hours of Monday, March 25, not long after a storm capable of producing funnel clouds brought rain, hail and high winds to the area.

The city of Ste. Genevieve’s flood gates are closed when the river reaches 35 feet, and traffic is detoured away the bend of Highway 61 in St. Mary when the river reaches 36 feet.

National Weather Service forecasters have stated there is a high percentage for a major flood — topping 40 feet — this year.

(Information from the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.)

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