Carmi, IL – Residents in southeastern Illinois are being urged to prepare for rising river levels as the National Weather Service warns of major flooding forecast to impact portions of White, Gallatin and Wayne counties starting Friday.
A significant stretch of rainfall is expected to hit the region from later today through Saturday, contributing to rapidly rising water levels in both the Little Wabash River at Carmi and the Skillet Fork River at Wayne City.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, the Little Wabash River is anticipated to surpass its flood stage of 27 feet by Friday morning and could crest near 35.1 feet early Tuesday morning. At 35.5 feet, businesses near IL Route 14 and Route 1 in Carmi may begin to flood. Current levels are reported at 16.8 feet as of Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, the Skillet Fork River at Wayne City, currently at 7.4 feet, is expected to exceed its 15-foot flood stage early Saturday morning. Forecasts show it reaching as high as 20.5 feet by early Sunday afternoon before beginning a gradual decline, though levels will remain above flood stage for an extended period.
The updated warnings now classify expected flooding as major and extend their duration beyond initial forecasts. These alerts are in place until further notice.
Officials urge residents to avoid flooded roadways, heed all posted barricades, and never attempt to drive through high water. Nighttime flooding poses additional dangers due to reduced visibility.
Emergency planners recommend securing property and having an evacuation plan if necessary. Further updates will be posted at www.weather.gov.
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