Major flooding of the Mississippi River gradually ended during the month of July as the weather pattern turned somewhat drier. This allowed tributaries such as the Big Muddy River and lower portions of the Ohio River to fall below flood stage.

Flood in ALEXANDER, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-19 00:00:00 to 27-JUL-19 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.00M
Crop damage: 7.00M
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Mississippi River finally fell below flood stage at the Thebes river gage after spending about four and one-half months above flood stage. While the crest was among the ten highest on record, the extended duration of the flood played an even greater role on the impact. The combination of seepage and relief wells along the levees permitted large amounts of water to seep into normally dry areas. The biggest impacts in Alexander County were weeks after the river crested. Portions of Illinois Routes 3 and 146 were flooded and closed from the East Cape Girardeau area down to Thebes. A number of residences were flooded in McClure and East Cape Girardeau. Further south, the breach in the Len Small levee continued to permit large amounts of water into the Miller City area. A U.S. Geological Survey measurement determined that at least 20 percent of the total Mississippi River flow was exiting through the break in the Len Small levee. County roads and swaths of cropland were damaged extensively by fast-flowing water around the levee break. Six barges passed through the levee break and became stuck on Miller City Road. The loose barges damaged irrigation pivots and farm equipment. The river fell below flood stage late in the month, permitting more accurate damage assessments to take place.

Flood in ALEXANDER, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-19 00:00:00 to 13-JUL-19 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAIRO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Ohio River finally fell below flood stage at Cairo after spending five months above flood stage, which is the longest duration on record. Much of this time, the river was above flood stage at Cairo due to backwater from the swollen Mississippi River. When it came to the impacts of the flooding, the extended duration of the flooding was at least as significant as its severity. The levee system along the Ohio River was saturated by the extended presence of floodwaters, raising concerns about the stability and integrity of some levees. Repairs were made in certain locations where slippage was observed. Although crops were never planted in many parts of the flood plain, the agricultural impacts were still significant. At the Cairo river gage, the river crested in late June and fell below flood stage in mid July.

Flood in JACKSON, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-19 00:00:00 to 11-JUL-19 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRIMSBY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 50.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

After spending about four months above flood stage, the Big Muddy River finally fell below flood stage on the Murphysboro gage by mid July. This flooding was primarily the result of backwater from the major flooding on the Mississippi River. The biggest impacts were along the levee system close to the Mississippi River, where the extended duration of the flooding took its toll on levees. Emergency repairs were made in a few places close to the Grand Tower area. The primary impacts in the Murphysboro area were flooded low-lying woods and fields, as well as a riverside park. A few streets near the river were flooded.

Flood in JACKSON, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-19 00:00:00 to 20-JUL-19 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND TOWER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Major flooding of the Mississippi River gradually ended by late July. Flood-fighting efforts in the Grand Tower area were completed after the levees were fortified. Low-lying woods, farmland, and county roads remained underwater early in the month. More detailed damage assessments began after the river fell within its banks late in the month.

Flood in PULASKI, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-19 00:00:00 to 13-JUL-19 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOUND CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Ohio River finally fell below flood stage after spending five months above flood stage, which is the longest duration on record at the Cairo river gage. Much of this time, the river was above flood stage due to backwater from the swollen Mississippi River. Although crops were never planted in many parts of the flood plain, the agricultural impacts were still significant. Flooding of low-lying woods, fields, and public parks finally ended by mid month.

Flood in UNION, ILLINOIS
From 01-JUL-19 00:00:00 to 22-JUL-19 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOLF LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The extended major flood on the Mississippi River gradually ended by late July. Flood-fighting efforts in the Ware and Wolf Lake areas were completed after water receded away from weakened levees. Low-lying woods, farmland, and county roads remained underwater early in the month. More detailed damage assessments began after the river fell within its banks late in the month.