Alexander County authorities have issued an emergency evacuation notice for residents who live behind the Len Small Levee.Illinois State Police, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Alexander County Board and County Sheriff warn the Mississippi River may overtop the levee sometime Friday.
Communities that could be affected include Fayeville, Miller City, Willard, Olive Branch, Hodges Park, Unity, Sandusky, and Cache.
The American Red Cross has set up a shelter in the Osage Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to help those who've had to leave their homes. You can call (573) 339-6342 for more information.
The National Weather Service expects the river to eclipse old records set 20 years ago at Cape Girardeau and Thebes.
Evacuees are asked to let Alexander County officials know they're leaving. Patrols are being set up to monitor homes that have been evacuated. Those numbers are: (618) 521-8102; (618) 203-6057; or IEMA Operations at the Alexander County Highway Department at (618) 776-5431.