Locks expected to reopen on Mississippi River

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The worst of the flooding on the Mississippi River appears over, and the Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to reopen three navigation locks.

The flood forced closure of locks at the Missouri towns of Clarksville and Winfield, and the Kaskaskia Lock near Chester, Ill.

The corps plans to reopen the Clarksville and Winfield locks by Friday, and the Kaskaskia lock by Monday. The plans are based on current forecasts and could change if unexpected rain causes a rise in the river.

The Mississippi was cresting Wednesday at Cape Girardeau, about 10.5 feet above flood stage. The crest at Chester is expected early Thursday, 12.5 feet above flood stage.

The river was dropping elsewhere. Some flood victims are starting to return home in Lincoln County.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)