Heavy rain creates flood threat in Illinois

Posted on June 30, 2015
Flood preparations
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for flooding along the Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi rivers. (Photo courtesy Facebook/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District)

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – The rain has caused problems along and near the Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers.

“Each of those points are at a relatively high stage,” said Col. Anthony Mitchell, “and we have flood-fighting teams at each of those locations. We expect moderate to major flooding, and we expect to be at that posture state over the next 36 to 48 hours.”

Mitchell, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at St. Louis, spoke to the Rivers Coordinating Council in Springfield. Closures now include the Jerry Costello Lock and Dam at the Kaskaskia River; and the Louisiana Bridge.

The American Red Cross has opened three shelters for flood victims in the Midwest, including the First Baptist Church of Pekin at 700 S. Capitol St. in Pekin. The Red Cross is providing meals and bottled water to sandbaggers in several communities.

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