The Mississippi River stage at Caruthersville, MO is a critical measurement for residents, farmers, and industries that rely on the river for various purposes. Located in the southeastern part of Missouri, Caruthersville is a city situated in Pemiscot County, where the Mississippi River forms the western boundary. The river's stage, or water level, is constantly monitored by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to provide vital information for flood control, navigation, and water management.
Current and Forecasted River Stages
As of the latest observations, the Mississippi River stage at Caruthersville, MO is approximately 25.5 feet, which is within the normal operating range. However, it’s essential to note that river stages can fluctuate rapidly due to various factors such as rainfall, snowmelt, and human activities like reservoir releases. The NWS forecast indicates that the river stage is expected to rise to around 28 feet over the next 48 hours, which is still below the flood stage of 32 feet.
Flood Stage and Warning Levels
The flood stage at Caruthersville, MO is set at 32 feet, which means that when the river reaches this level, flooding can be expected in low-lying areas, including agricultural lands, roads, and some residential areas. The NWS issues flood warnings and watches based on the forecasted river stages, and the warning levels are as follows:
- Action Stage: 25 feet - This is the level at which the river begins to overflow into low-lying areas, and some flooding can be expected.
- Flood Stage: 32 feet - This is the level at which significant flooding can be expected, and evacuations may be necessary.
- Moderate Flood Stage: 35 feet - This is the level at which extensive flooding can be expected, and significant damage to property and infrastructure may occur.
- Major Flood Stage: 40 feet - This is the level at which catastrophic flooding can be expected, and widespread damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment may occur.
| River Stage (ft) | Flood Category | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 25-31 | None | Normal river operations |
| 32-34 | Minor | Low-lying areas flood, some roads affected |
| 35-37 | Moderate | Extensive flooding, significant damage to property and infrastructure |
| 38-40 | Major | Catastrophic flooding, widespread damage to property, infrastructure, and environment |
Key Points
- The current Mississippi River stage at Caruthersville, MO is approximately 25.5 feet.
- The flood stage at Caruthersville, MO is set at 32 feet.
- The NWS forecast indicates that the river stage is expected to rise to around 28 feet over the next 48 hours.
- Monitoring river stage forecasts and warnings is essential for preparedness and damage mitigation.
- The USGS and NWS provide critical information for flood control, navigation, and water management.
Impact of Flooding on Local Communities
Flooding in the Caruthersville area can have significant impacts on local communities, including damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment. Agricultural lands, roads, and some residential areas are at risk of flooding, which can lead to displacement of residents, loss of crops, and disruption of economic activities. Furthermore, flooding can contaminate water sources, posing health risks to humans and wildlife.
Preparedness and Mitigation Measures
To mitigate the effects of flooding, it’s essential for residents, farmers, and industries to take preparedness measures, such as:
- Monitoring river stage forecasts and warnings
- Elevating properties and infrastructure
- Implementing flood-control measures, such as levees and floodwalls
- Developing emergency response plans
- Staying informed about flood risk and taking necessary precautions
What is the current Mississippi River stage at Caruthersville, MO?
+The current Mississippi River stage at Caruthersville, MO is approximately 25.5 feet.
What is the flood stage at Caruthersville, MO?
+The flood stage at Caruthersville, MO is set at 32 feet.
How can I stay informed about river stage forecasts and warnings?
+You can stay informed about river stage forecasts and warnings by visiting the NWS and USGS websites, signing up for emergency alerts, and monitoring local news and weather reports.
