Army Corps of Engineers initiate Phase II floodfight

The Army Corps of Engineers has initiated a Phase II flood fight along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

A Phase II flood fight is initiated when the river gauge at Cairo reaches 52 feet. The rivers at Cairo are now at 53. The expected crest is 58 ½ feet.

The river stage at Cape Girardeau was at 38.8 feet at 3 p.m. yesterday with a forecasted crest of 44.5 feet. Flood stage at Cape Girardeau is 32.0 feet.

In a press release, Colonel Vernie Reichling of the Memphis District says, quote, “We are anticipating near-record flood levels in many parts of the Memphis District. We have not seen levels predicted this high since 1937,” end quote.

A phase two flood fight entailed greater monitoring of river levels, checks for leaks and sand boils along levees, and establishing field offices in Cape Girardeau and Dyersburg, Tennessee. The Caruthersville office will also have additional personnel.

Posted in: Army Corps of Engineers,Cairo IL,cape girardeau,flooding,Mississippi River,Ohio River