Rising Mississippi River tests Iowa, Illinois flood barriers

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — The rising Mississippi River is testing flood defenses in southeast Iowa and northwest Illinois as it nears forecast crests in the area Monday, driven by a spring surge of water from melting snow. The peak water levels this spring will likely rank in the top 10 of all time in many places, but the National Weather Service said river levels will generally remain well below past records. That should help most towns along the river withstand the floodwaters. Nonetheless, officials will be keeping a wary eye on floodwalls and sandbag barriers over the coming days. Weather Service meteorologist Tom Philip said it’s fortunate the region has had relatively dry weather as the river crests.