Ohio River At Old Shawneetown crests
GALLATIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - This is a press release from the Gallatin County Emergency Management Agency.
The Ohio River at Old Shawneetown crested, at the official river gauge, (not the automatic gauge) at 56.85 feet at midnight Friday, and flood stage is 33 feet.
The river is still holding near the crest mark Friday afternoon in Old Shawneetown, according to Gallatin County Emergency Management officials.
They report the South Fork at Carrier Mills was at 8.57 feet.
And, water levels have dropped slightly in New Haven and Equality. The Illinois National Guard is still walking the levee in Old Shawneetown.
Motorist are still urged not to drive on flooded roads. Following the flood, roads and infrastructure will be inspected, before roads are re-opened for travel.
The Golden Circle in Ridgway is offering a free lunch each day for displaced flood victims, at the Golden Circle in Ridgway. Anyone wanting a meal should call the Golden Circle by 9 a.m. at 272- 7570. The meals are served at Noon.
Site-seers are again asked to stay out of Gallatin County as roads are being overwhelmed with site-seers. Site-seers are slowing responses of emergency crews attempting to get around Gallatin County, also there are limited areas for people to pull over.
People in boats are urged to use caution, as water levels are high and are very near power lines.
Use Caution while boating. Boaters are reminded to wear all protective gear, as this is still required. Also boaters are asked to travel carefully, as many sandbags are fragile and that excessive wakes could cause the sandbags to fail.
Donations of fuel to the Village of Old Shawneetown are being excepted. Over 5000 gallons of diesel fuel have been used so far, for pumping operations. This is an estimated cost in excess of $20,000.
Other donations may be made to the Ohio Valley General Baptist Church in Shawneetown (188 E, Church) or the Salvation Army in Harrisburg, (10 West Locust).
The Egyptian Health Department will be having a tetanus clinic at the health office in Shawneetown on Saturday from 1-4 p.m.
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