Havana, Illinois – Floodwaters are holding steady above critical levels along the Illinois River, continuing to flood farmland and strain levee systems across central Illinois.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the river near Havana measured 15.1 feet late Thursday morning, more than a foot above the 14-foot flood stage. Water levels are expected to remain elevated through the weekend, keeping agricultural land outside levee protection under water across Cass, Mason, and Fulton counties.
Farther downstream in Beardstown, river levels are also at 15.0 feet, with minor flooding already occurring. At this level, seepage issues are developing in the Coal Creek Drainage and Levee District, raising concerns about infrastructure stress as water remains high.
The river is forecast to hold near current levels through at least Sunday, with only a slow decline expected. Saturated soils and recent rainfall continue to feed the river system, limiting any rapid improvement.
Residents near the river should avoid flooded areas and use caution along riverbanks, which may be unstable. Officials warn that flooding impacts will persist until water levels drop below flood stage, and additional updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
