(KFVS) - Many parts of the Heartland experienced devastating flooding.
In Cape Girardeau, Mo., the Mississippi River was at 31.97 feet at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, dropping below flood stage for the first time since March 12.
Monday, July 22 marked 132 days of the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau being at or above flood stage. This is a new record for duration. The previous record was 125 days in 1993.
The Broadway floodgate in Cape Girardeau opened after 10 a.m. on Monday. It has been closed since March 15. It will still be closed to the public while crews clean up the area.
The Chester Bridge reopened after being closed since June 2.
In Mississippi County, Route VV was damaged from floodwater. According to MoDOT, before they can reopen Route VV crews have to assess its condition.
Fighting floodwater becomes a way of life along the Mississippi River, and one of its channels has taken over the bridge connecting St. Mary, Missouri to Kaskaskia Island.
According to the National Weather Service, after being above flood stage since March 12, or 137 consecutive days, the Mississippi River at Thebes, Ill., fell below flood stage as of Saturday, July 27. It was at 32.94 feet on Saturday.
Route 3, at the Cape “Y,” south to Gale, Ill. reopened shortly after 11 a.m. on Monday, July 29. This section reopened nearly an hour earlier than expected.
Parts of Route 146 and Route 3 reopened at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 26. According to Keith Miley with IDOT, the water dropped a quarter-inch just on Wednesday.
Miley said a 1,500-foot stretch of Route 146 between East Cape Girardeau and the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge reopened on Friday afternoon, July 19 to local traffic only.
Gov. Pritzker urged everyone in Illinois to report their flood damage to their local EMA office. In order to qualify for federal assistance, the State of Illinois must meet or exceed more than $19 million in damages.
In Miller City, the flooding has gone down and left behind extensive damage to the area.
The Mississippi River at Chester started to fall below “minor” flood stage on Thursday, July 11.
Illinois 3 at the Cora Levee reopened at noon on Tuesday, July 9. It was closed on May 2 due to high water from the Mississippi River flooding.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency mobilized a Joint Quick Reactionary Task Force in Alexander County to help with emergency flood fight operations in communities along the Mississippi River.
The State of Illinois has set up a website to help communities during the Flood 2019 fight. Click here to find information about flood recovery assistance, to report damage and debris, farm and agricultural resources, find your county emergency management office and links to other resources the state can offer.
A State of Emergency was declared for Union County, Ill. on Friday, May 31 and the sheriff said the tornado sirens will be used to warn residents in the Wolf Lake and Ware area in the case of a levee breach.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Big Muddy River Levee lock is being backfilled to seal off the water. The levee was not breached.
Jackson County, Illinois was under a disaster declaration. This includes the western area along the Mississippi River.
Governor JB Pritzker issued a second disaster proclamation for flooding in 34 counties along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, including some Heartland counties.
On Tuesday, June 4, the governor committed more troops to help with flood prevention efforts.
Emergency Management Agencies recommend you have a plan in place before you have to evacuate.
- Plan several different locations where you could stay during an evacuation, such as the home of family or friends.
- Know the evacuation plans for important locations (such as work or school).
- Hotels fill up quickly during evacuations. Call ahead and make a reservation before you leave.
- Keep phone numbers and maps for potential evacuation locations.
- Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.
- Take your Go Bag.
- Lock your house.
- Leave a note inside your house stating when you left and where you are going. This will provide needed information to law enforcement if they enter your home.
- Use authorized routes.
- When you are safe, call your out-of-area contact and let him or her know where you are.
Check out these tips for making a Family Emergency Plan.
Don’t forget about your pets. See what you might need here.
Because of the flooding, MoDOT reminded people that floodwaters may be deeper that they appear and hide other hazards such as sharp objects, electrical wires, sewage and chemicals.
Some important safety reminders include:
- Don’t drive through any flooded areas. A few extra minutes for a detour could lead to a life saved
- MoDOT reminded motorists it only takes six inches of water, or less, to lose control of your vehicle and possibly be swept into rising floodwaters
- Any time there is water over the roadway, there may be unseen damage to the road surface below
- Stay alert and do not drive through water over a roadway or around construction barricades. MoDOT encouraged all motorists to Turn Around! Don’t Drown!
In addition, MoDOT reminded drivers never to move or attempt to drive around barricades that block flooded roads. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded area or barricade, they said to remember the saying: turn around, don’t drown.
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