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December 2, 2008 4:46:56 AM CST

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Midwest Braces for Mississippi Crest

Posted Jun 23, 08 3:00 AM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Deluged midwesterners were preparing for tonight’s expected cresting of the Mississippi River, piling up sandbags to support levees, USA Today reports. Some residents have already moved to higher ground, while others are staying home to guard against looters. The river is likely to crest at a number of areas north of St. Louis. Floodwaters should start to recede early this week, said a meteorologist.

“This is devastating,” said a woman whose husband has removed their carpet and appliances and settled on the roof. “It's a terrible waiting game.”

Source USA Today

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Residents, volunteers and National Guard troops work to build a sand bag levee around the town of in Hamburg, Ill. Friday, June 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Residents view the flooding Mississippi River from the US 54 bridge that crosses to Illinois on Sunday June 22, 2008, in Louisiana, Missouri.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Floodwaters from the Mississippi River surround mailboxes and a house on Saturday, June 21, 2008 in Foley, Mo.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Floodwater from the Mississippi River flows past the St. Louis skyline as seen Friday, June 20, 2008, from East St. Louis, Ill.   (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
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flooding • Mississippi River • levees • sandbags


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