ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The Mississippi River is rising in eastern Missouri as water levels along the Missouri River fall.
The National Weather Service says the Mississippi River is expected to crest early Tuesday in Hannibal at more than 8 feet above flood stage, inundating railroad tracks and several businesses in the southwest part of the city. Floodwalls also are expected to close as the river crests Tuesday in St. Louis and Friday in Cape Girardeau, although no serious flooding is expected in either city.
The Missouri Department of Transportation says more than 50 roads are closed, mostly in the northeast part of the state. Along the Missouri River, water levels are falling quickly, easing pressure on levees that protect farmland.
As of Monday afternoon, the Missouri River in Jefferson City was just below 24 feet, which is 1 foot above flood stage of 23 feet, the National Weather Service reported. The river is expected to go below flood stage sometime Tuesday afternoon.