Flood Watch Issued for Mississippi River Areas in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa
Mississippi River flood watch issued for Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa counties as water levels approach flood stage by Friday evening.
HANNIBAL, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service in Quad Cities has issued a flood watch for sections of the Mississippi River affecting counties in Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa, with flooding possible beginning Friday evening.
The flood watch covers the Mississippi River at three key locations: Keithsburg affecting Mercer, Des Moines, Louisa and Henderson Counties; Gregory Landing affecting Clark and Hancock Counties; and New Boston LD17 affecting Mercer and Louisa Counties.
Current River Conditions
At 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, the Mississippi River stage at Gregory Landing measured 14.3 feet. The National Weather Service forecasts that flood stage of 15.0 feet may be reached Friday evening.
Officials warned that at 16.0 feet, water will affect buildings in unprotected low-lying areas around Gregory Landing. The flood watch remains in effect from Friday evening until further notice.
Multi-State Impact
The flood watch spans across state lines, with Missouri counties Clark and Hancock potentially affected at Gregory Landing. In Illinois and Iowa, Mercer, Des Moines, Louisa and Henderson Counties face possible flooding at various river monitoring points.
The Mississippi River at New Boston Lock and Dam 17 also remains under watch, with Mercer and Louisa Counties in the potential impact zone. Weather service meteorologists continue monitoring river levels and precipitation forecasts that could contribute to rising water levels.
The National Weather Service issued the flood watch at 11:21 a.m. Tuesday, advising residents in low-lying areas near the river to monitor conditions closely. River flooding typically develops gradually, giving communities time to prepare for potential impacts.
Preparation and Monitoring
Authorities recommend residents in flood-prone areas review their emergency plans and stay informed about changing river conditions. The National Weather Service continues issuing regular updates on river stages and flood potential across the region.
Local emergency management agencies in affected counties coordinate with the National Weather Service to monitor the situation. Residents can access current river levels and forecasts through the National Weather Service website and local emergency management channels.
