Governor Bruce Rauner has ordered Illinois National Guard soldiers to active duty to help with flood recovery efforts in the state.
Rauner says the step means soldiers will be ready at a moment's notice for local communities as flood waters could continue to rise over the weekend. About 20 soldiers were ordered to report to the guard's Marion Readiness Center.
Meanwhile authorities are urging residents living behind the Len Small levee to move to higher ground after Mississippi River water topped it.
The levee in the far southwestern tip of Illinois protects the towns of Olive Branch, Hodges Park, Unity and rural homes. All told, about 500 people live behind the levee.
Alexander County Board Chairman Chalen Tatum says the river is expected to rise another foot and a half before cresting Sunday, so flooding is expected to get much worse. He issued what he called an emergency evacuation order Friday.
The county is also urging residents in and near East Cape Girardeau, Illinois to evacuate. The move is precautionary: A levee there is holding for now but a record crest is predicted.
