Flood in Alexander County, Illinois

Major flooding continued on the Mississippi River from April. At the Thebes river gage, the flood crest of 45.52 feet on the night of May 2 was the second highest crest on record. The record crest was 45.91 feet in May of 1995. A major levee break at Fayville resulted in flash flooding in central and northern parts of the county. Communities outside of levee protection systems, such as Olive Branch, Miller City, and Tamms, were evacuated as floodwaters inundated entire communities and cut off access roads. Many homes and businesses in those communities were sandbagged, but most of them ended up being flooded. Lower portions of the community of Thebes were inundated. The National Guard was requested to assist with sandbagging residences. A water main break caused interruptions in the drinking water supply.

Numerous road closures were reported, though all major roads were reopened within 24 hours. U.S. Highway 51 was closed at the northern entrance to Cairo. Several homes were flooded, mainly in the Olive Branch and Gale areas. Basement flooding occurred in Cairo, especially north parts of the city. Ten people were rescued with three boats used by the Department of Natural Resources.

Major flooding of the Ohio River continued into January. At the Cairo river gage, the river crested at 56.14 feet on the 4th. This flood was very similar to the flood of March, 1997, when the crest was 56.2 feet. Flood stage there is 40 feet. The bridge connecting Cairo with Wickliffe, KY was closed due to floodwater over the bridge approach on the Kentucky side. The bridge, which carries U.S. Highway 51/60/62 over the Ohio River, was closed for about one week. Most of the flood gates were installed at Cairo. Areas not protected by the levee and floodwall system were inundated. Since the crop season was not underway, agricultural losses were insignificant.