Midwest Braces for Mississippi Crest

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.” (More flooding stories.)