The Army Corps of Engineers planned to close two area locks because of rising water levels on the Mississippi River.
Torrential rain accompanied storms that moved through the Quad Cities area and communities north of the Quad Cities on Monday, June 24, 2013. That rainfall contributed to quickly-rising water levels, which are expected to overtop lock gates. When that happens, it makes the locks inoperable.
Crews are expected to close all river traffic at Lock 17 at New Boston, Illinois on Thursday, June 27.
Lock 16 at Muscatine, Iowa is expected to close Friday, June 28.
A spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District said additional lock closures were not immediately expected.
“Since the Mississippi River levels will fluctuate due to additional rainfall, it is too soon to forecast remaining lock closings or the duration of closures for this flood event,” said Ron Fournier of the corps.
Fournier also cautioned recreational boaters to use extreme care on the Mississippi River because the water is moving swiftly. Swimming, wading or going into the Mississippi River when water levels are high is not recommended.
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