Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard urges boaters to stay off flooded rivers

(U.S. Coast Guard photo)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard are urging people to stay off of flooded rivers.

Due to large amounts of debris, fast currents, unmarked submerged objects and other dangerous conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard are requiring recreational boaters to refrain from boating on flooded areas of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois River.

Rivers are unpredictable and dangerous in a flood. Even if someone has lived along a river his whole life, he shouldn’t assume it will behave the same way during a flood. It’s not a good time to be recreating on or near the rivers.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers join in urging all citizens to keep safety uppermost in their minds, especially during this high water event:

• Watch the situation around you especially if you live or work in flood-prone areas.
• Stay in touch through the media for latest updates and warnings.
• Have a “what if” plan if you live or work in a flood prone area.
• Do not wade or swim or take recreation boats into river waters.  They are especially treacherous now.
• Turn around ... don't drown!" Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads.

 For more information, visit http://bit.ly/floodfight2013

River Forecasts for the St. Louis District Area

The Upper Mississippi River at Locks 24 & 25 are expected to crest about a foot above flood stage

The Mississippi River at Mel Price Locks & Dam is expected to crest right around flood stage

The Mississippi River at St. Louis is expected to crest just below flood stage

The Mississippi River at Chester and Cape is expected to crest just above flood stage 

The Missouri River is holding steady right now

For more information on Rivers & Reservoirs in the St.Louis District visit: http://bit.ly/gX5h6j and be sure to visit our 2011 Flood Fight Webpage.

---

Public safety remains the Corps top priority. We ask everyone to stay informed of current conditions and remember there is always risk inherent with flooding. Visit our Flood Fight web page for additional information and resources, http://bit.ly/floodfight

Current conditions and National Weather Service forecasts indicate only minor flooding is expected in the St. Louis area. However, there is always risk associated with flooding, and there is a potential for higher water if above normal rain falls in the watershed.

Based on current forecasts, there is no immediate threat of levees overtopping on the Missouri or Mississippi Rivers. A range of possibilities have been looked at based on average rain falling in the Missouri River Basin.

We are tracking this event and will continue to evaluate the impacts of the full-range of forecasts provided by the National Weather Service.

The St Louis District will continue to provide updated information to our partners so that levee districts, emergency managers, local and state officials, residents and businesses can make informed decisions.

For updates of Missouri River conditions in the St. Louis District, visit the following sites:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/amG6Gw
Twitter: http://bit.ly/hidNK7
Flickr: http://bit.ly/eHAWgv
YouTube: http://bit.ly/fYqhXT
Flood Fight Webpage: http://bit.ly/floodfight
#STLResponse