Rains heighten potential for flooding

The National Weather Service predicted that Southeast Missouri would get between 2 and 4 inches of rain Thursday night and today, creating the potential for flooding.

Michael Scotten, a meteorologist in Memphis, said the rain should end by noon today and that a period of dry weather should follow. How long the dry weather would last he would not say.

The National Weather Service said the river at Caruthersville was at 38.7 feet early this morning, expected to reach 38.9 feet before peaking. At Cape Girardeau, the river was at 34.7 feet early this morning and expected to reach 36.9 feet. At New Madrid, it was at 38.9 feet and expected to peak at 39.5 feet.

The U.S. Army Corps of engineers reported that it is holding back water to the best of its ability in an attempt to control flooding. Water is gradually being released from Clearwater Lake at Piedmont and Table Rock Lake at Branson.

Lt. Col. Don Balch said, "We're managing releases of water to minimize flood damage to the best of our ability."

The Corps said that one of its flood-control lakes in the region is full and that two others are taking in more water than they are discharging. It is monitoring the lakes closely.

There is storage space remaining in Wappapello Lake, the Corps reported. Wappapello Lake controls flooding on the St. Francis River. West of Kennett on Highway 84, the waters of the St. Francis River were about two feet from the bridge early this morning.

The corps is asking everyone living downstream from the lakes to pay close attention to media reports because it is possible that excess rain could cause all three to exceed their design capacity and allow water to flow uncontrolled downstream.

Additional help for victims of the floods that hit the region March 18 and 19 was announced by Gov. Matt Blunt, who said federal officials have waived a rule requiring people on food stamps who lost their benefits transfer card or food to apply within 10 days for replacement.

The food stamp time limit became an issue as large numbers of people began apply for replacement cards or to be compensated for lost food, state Department of Social Services director Deborah Scott said in a news release.

With the waiver of the time limit, food stamp recipients have until April 10 to apply for replacement of lost food or benefits cards. To find out about eligibility, contact the local Family Support Division office.

Information for this story provided by the Associated Press and the SEMO News Service.