ST. LOUIS — Residents of West Alton, Mo. have been told to evacuate after waters have over-topped the Consolidated North County Levee along the Mississippi. All traffic on the River is halted there.
The U.S. Coast Guard has also closed a portion of the Mississippi River near St. Louis due to the widespread flooding.
The Rivers Pointe Fire Protection District issued a warning: “Effective immediately, all residents that are not staying in West Alton are urged to leave. Flooding of the town is imminent!”
Illinois corrections officials are preparing to evacuate a prison in the southern part of the state with nearly 3,700 inmates.
Thirteen flood-related deaths have now been confirmed in Missouri.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has issued an Executive Order to declare a City emergency in response to rising flood waters. The declaration activates the City’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response among City departments and services, along with outside partner agencies, such as MSD, Ameren, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the United Way. It also allows the City to request state resources and reimbursement, as necessary.
River levels are expected to quickly crest by Thursday to 44.8 feet, which would be second only to the historic Flood of ’93. City crews have closed 36 flood gates along the Mississippi River and have begun a 24-hour watch along both the Mississippi River and the River Des Peres to monitor and quickly act upon signs of distress, such as boils.
