Levee 'in danger of failing,' area evacuated: St. Francois County

Residents near the levee in St. Francois County have been evacuated after the levee was deemed to be "in danger of failing."

The evacuation order was issued by the St. Francois County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, May 10, 2023. The order affects residents living within a half-mile radius of the levee.

The levee has been under a lot of pressure due to recent heavy rains. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the area, and the Mississippi River is expected to crest at a record level on Wednesday, May 11, 2023.

The levee is designed to protect the area from flooding, but it has been weakened by the heavy rains. Engineers are working to repair the levee, but they say that it is in danger of failing.

The evacuation order is in effect until further notice. Residents who have been evacuated are urged to stay away from the area and to follow the instructions of local officials.

Here are some tips for staying safe during a flood:

• Avoid driving through flooded areas.
• If you must walk through floodwaters, use a stick to help you keep your balance.
• Be aware of downed power lines and other hazards.
• If you are in a building that is flooding, move to higher ground.
• Do not drink floodwater.

For more information on flood safety, visit the website of the National Weather Service.