Levee Failure Could Impact Travel And Commerce For Many Months

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Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

HARDIN/GRAFTON - Some serious discussions took place in both Hardin and Grafton on Friday about the rising flood waters. Grafton stands at 30.44 feet at 5 a.m. Saturday and has a projected crest of 31.8 feet on May 6. Anything over 29.0 feet is considered major flooding in Grafton. The Illinois River at Hardin has an observed value of 35.83 feet at 5:30 a.m. Saturday. Anything over 32.0 feet is considered major flooding. Presently, Hardin is projected to crest at 38 feet on May 7. The Mississippi River at Mel Price (Alton Lock and Dam) presently stands at 33.54 feet at 5:30 a.m. Saturday. The river at Alton is projected to crest at 35 feet on May 6. Major flooding for Alton is anything over 34.0 feet.

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

Col. Bryan Sizemore, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in St. Louis, said his group is working with partners up and down the district, essentially from Hannibal, Mo., to Cairo, IL., to ensure the federal and non-levy systems are working and staying ahead of forecasts. He said there are clearly problems in the local area with Grafton, Hardin and St. Louis projected to see a 42-foot crest Monday afternoon. Some agricultural levees have already been overtopped, Sizemore said.

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

Meetings were held on Friday with Congressman Rodney Davis, State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer and State Senator Steve McClure present, with other appointed and elected officials in Grafton and Hardin. The representatives first visited Grafton and then moved on to visit Calhoun County. Grafton has a few businesses still open on higher elevation, but the majority on lower ground have moved items out and have stopped temporarily operating. 

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

Davidsmeyer said what they hoped to do was see how the river will affect the people and making sure everyone is safe. “This one is sizing up to be worse than originally expected,” he said. “We are letting the experts do their jobs, who monitor this on a daily basis. Rep. Davis said it is good to have all our community officials working and communicating together. He went on to say, “This allows communities to be prepared and people to stay out of the danger zone. The good news is today, we got better reports on crest levels. We hope this will move through and be after thought, but we have to be prepared.”

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

The City of Alton wall on State and Broadway to date is operating efficiently and Alton Mayor Brant Walker is hoping for the best with the projected crest of 35 feet on Monday.

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

While every effort is being made to keep roads open and safe, Mayor Rick Eberlin and staff anticipate that travel in and around Grafton could be difficult this weekend and early next week. 
He added that the weather is expected to be sunny and warm and several of Grafton’s unique shops, restaurants, and wineries will remain open despite high water.  “As the water recedes, Grafton’s residents and business owner’s will once again begin the process of cleaning up and welcoming you to visit this small town that has historically met the challenge of living next two these two great rivers,” Eberlin said. “Grafton is a place of great beauty and fun for all - plan to visit soon.”

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

The Village of Godfrey Emergency Management reported that as of 3:45 p.m. on Friday, a large portion of the Clifton Terrace intersection is under water. "IDOT has closed much of Illinois Route 100/River Road, so consider alternate routes and don't drive through standing water," the Village of Godfrey urged.

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

Rick DeVerger, chairman of the Nutwood Drainage District, was interviewed at the base of the Nutwood levee as sandbagging was starting on Friday afternoon and spoke openly regarding the potential problems of the Nutwood Levee.

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

DeVerger said after the 1993 Flood the vast majority of the Nutwood Levee was raised to 38 to 39 feet, but stated there is one estimated 200-yard portion of concern right now at 37.5 feet. He said that area will be the focus of sandbag installation on Saturday. “The Department of Corrections are coming in and bringing prisoners and there will be other volunteers getting bags prepared,” he told the group. “The water came up 18 inches last night and with more rain coming this is something we have to monitor closely.”

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

DeVerger pointed out that when there were breaches of the Nutwood Levee in 1993, it took four months to empty out and it was devastating to the area.

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

The Nutwood Levee protects thousands of acres in Greene, Calhoun and Jersey counties.

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible

With multiple ferries shutdown, travel in Calhoun County is severely limited, DeVerger said, except through back roads. The sandbagging process will be difficult because once bags are prepared a small amount will be taken by boat to position on the levee and it is a time-consuming and not an easy process.

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible



Jersey High School FFA members, teachers that included Jersey baseball coach Darren Perdun and others from the community were filling sandbags and helping with trying to save the Nutwood levee on Friday. DeVerger said volunteers could always be put to work as sandbags have to be filled and positioned for the projected crest early next week. When asked additional people could do, DeVerger replied, "Everyone would like to take a break."

Water Water Everywhere - Nutwood Levee Overtop Possible
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