By Beacon Staff
The Mississippi River is set to push into the flood stage, rising to a crest of 15.3 feet by Tuesday (June 30).
Barely above the minor flood stage of 15 feet, the rising river isn’t expected to cause any major problems and will drop below the action stage of 14 feet by July 4.
Sand-filled flood barriers were erected by city workers weeks ago as a precaution, providing protection well beyond 20 feet in conjunction with the flood wall.
But the river projection, updated on an hourly basis, can rapidly change, depending on weather conditions. Heavy rain this past week is causing the river to spike and could delay the fall if the trend continues.
There’s a chance of rain every day for the next week, including Sunday (June 28). According to a “Hazardous Weather Outlook” issued by the National Weather Service, scattered thunderstorms are expected for Sunday. There is a marginal risk for severe storms across the area, the main risks being torrential rainfall and strong wind gusts.
The outlook also calls for periodic storm chances next week, with plenty of hot, dry weather as well.
Photo by William Smith