Alexander County is asking residents in flood-prone areas to voluntarily evacuate their homes. The County Board issued the order Wednesday. It includes residents living in low areas along the Lynn Small Levee as well as in Olive Branch, Fayville, Miller City, Willard, Hodges Park, Unity, Sandusky and Cache. Residents who decide to leave their homes are encouraged to contact the Alexander County Sheriffs' Office or the Highway Department at 618-776-5431.
On Tuesday, Jackson County authorities issued a similar order encouraging a voluntary evacuation along the Mississippi River, as flood waters continue to rise. Union County is also encouraging residents to seek higher ground before it becomes too late.
Jackson County Board Chair John Rendleman issued the voluntary evacuation Tuesday, saying residents in the flood plain should take precaution and be ready in the event the river tops the levee. Crews continue to work to shore up the levee, but Rendleman says being ready is the best response to the rising water.
In Union County, emergency managers are recommending people in low lying areas consider moving to higher ground, though no evacuation has been ordered.
The Mississippi River is expected to crest Friday morning, at or near the record high of 49.7 feet. Multiple roads are closed across the region due to the high water.
Late Wednesday Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner expanded the state disaster proclamation for flooding to include Alexander and Clinton Counties in southern Illinois. The Governor's action now brings to 12 the number of counties included in the proclamation including Jackson and Randolph counties in southern Illinois. Governor Rauner is expected to return to Springfield on Thursday evening and will spend several days viewing flood damage in central and southern Illinois. The State Emergency Operations Center was activated on Monday and will remain open until the flood threat has passed.
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Flooding is forcing some major headaches for people in parts of the region.
The Jackson County Emergency Management Agency says anyone wishing to volunteer for the flood fighting efforts, should call the Jackson County Volunteer Coordinator at 618-534-9212.
Officials say if you are volunteering, you must prepare to be self-sufficient with respect to adequate clothing, gloves, food, etc.
Organizations wishing to volunteer in groups should also work through the Volunteer Coordinator prior to deployment.
Some major roadways in Randolph County are impacted due to flooding.
County and state officials say Route 3 at the Randolph-Jackson County line to Chester, Kaskaskia Street in Chester, the Truck Bypass around Chester, and all roads to Kaskaskia Island are closed.
The Missouri Department of Transportation says the Chester Bridge over the Mississippi River into Perry County, Missouri, will close Tuesday at noon due to high river levels.
