Mississippi, Big Muddy have river flood warnings

Flood warnings continue this week for the Mississippi River and Big Muddy River in Southern Illinois.

The warnings come at a time when major flooding has been occurring in the Upper Midwest.

The National Weather Service office in Paducah reported that as of early Monday:

•Moderate flooding was occurring along the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau and Thebes.

•Minor flooding was occurring along the Big Muddy River at Murphysboro.

Both the Mississippi and Big Muddy rivers border Union County.

Mississippi River at Thebes

At 8 p.m. Monday, the Mississippi River’s stage at Thebes was 37.5 feet. Flood stage is 33.0 feet.

The forecast called for the river to continue rising to near 40.5 feet by Saturday evening and then begin a slow fall.

Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau

At 8 p.m. Monday, the river’s stage was 37.3 feet. Flood stage is 32.0 feet.

The river is expected to continue rising to near 40.5  feet by Saturday evening and then begin a slow fall.

Big Muddy River at Murphysboro

At 8 p.m. Monday, the river’s stage was at 24.0 feet. Flood stage is 22.0 feet.

The river was expected to continue rising to near 24.1 feet by Tuesday morning and then start a slow fall.