Minor, moderate flooding continues

Flooding continued during the past week along three river systems in Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky.

The National Weather Service office at Paducah reported that minor to moderate flooding was occurring along the Ohio, Mississippi and Big Muddy rivers.

As of Wednesday night, March 20, flood warnings were continuing until further notice along all three of the rivers.

Ohio River at Cairo

The weather service reported that at Cairo, the river had fallen into moderate flood stage.

Water levels were expected to continue to fall slowly, with flooding expected to end around Monday, April 1.

The Ohio River’s stage at Cairo at 9:24 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, was 52.6 feet. Flood stage is 40.0 feet.

The forecast was calling for the river to continue to fall to a stage of 51.4 feet by Friday morning, March 22.

Mississippi River at Thebes

At 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, the Mississippi River’s stage at Thebes was 37.9 feet. Flood stage is 33.0 feet.

Moderate flooding was occurring. Moderate flooding was in the forecast.

The river is expected to continue rising to near 40.5 feet by Friday, March 29.

Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau

At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, the Mississippi River’s stage at Cape Girardeau was 37.8 feet. Flood stage is 32.0 feet.

Moderate flooding was occurring. Moderate flooding was in the forecast.

The river is expected to continue rising to near 40.5 feet by Friday morning, March 29.

Big Muddy River near Murphysboro

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, the Big Muddy River’s stage at Murphysboro was 23.5 feet. Flood stage is 22.0 feet.

Minor flooding was occurring. Minor flooding was in the forecast.

The river was expected to continue to fall to a stage of 22.9 feet by Friday morning, March 22.