Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

The rain just keeps falling--and that means area rivers and streams are on the rise.  Right now, the river stage at Quincy is around 15 feet.

By the end of the rainy weekend, it could rise as much as four feet.

That's more than two feet above flood stage.

Mike Klingner is the Vice President of the Upper Mississippi Illinois and Missouri Rivers Association.

He says the levee systems along the Mississippi are in good shape and levee districts along the Fabius River have made improvements that have put them in better shape.

He says although the Mississippi River is going up significantly, there's no cause for concern until it reaches 25 to 26 feet.

"If it continues and we start looking at that mid-20 range on the gauge, then we're going to have the levee districts watching those levees a little closer,'' said Klinger. "Right now there's no concern and it's pretty much a normal wet year. It's something we're not too concerned about at this time."

Anyone who experienced the flood of 1993 in the Tri-States probably gets a little nervous about spring flooding.

With the water rising, and more rain on the way, we wondered if the Tri-States is ready, just in case. 

John Simon, Adams County Emergency Management Director said, "The most important thing is coordination. That is the key to efficient response is that we bring together agencies that respond to those events so we make sure we're not duplicating efforts.''

Simon, said current preparations involve "basically monitoring the river levels.  We're not seeing any flooding expected in the near future. It appears it is flowing at a good pace."

But in the meantime, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says now is the time to take a few simple steps to protect your family and possessions before flooding becomes a problem.

Keep important papers in a safe waterproof place. That may mean taking your valuables to the highest level in your home.

Also, itemize and take pictures of all of your possessions.

Review your home's insurance policy to see what is covered and what isn't.

Chances are flooding is not covered, so buy a policy if you think flooding could be a problem.

Remember it usually takes about 30 days for a policy to take effect.

Finally, make a flood plan. That means planning your family's evacuation routes and a meeting place in case you are separated.

Simon said preparation for a flood is like preparing for any other emergency situation. That means making sure your family has an emergency kit with enough supplies to last in case you have to leave your home for a while.