Brauer urges caution as floodwaters rise

Petersburg faces serious flooding Tuesday

[April 23, 2013]  PETERSBURG -- Flooding in the 87th District is expected to continue over the next few days, and state Rep. Rich Brauer is urging caution for those near the rising waters.

The Sangamon River at Petersburg was at 25.06 feet at 6:30 p.m. Monday -- flood stage is 23 feet -- with the river expected to crest Tuesday at 27 feet. The Sangamon was also at flood stage at Oakford at 472.22 and was expected to crest Monday at 472.2.

The Menard County Emergency Management Agency is working with street and water departments in Petersburg regarding sand, sandbags and portable toilets. The street department is placing sand in strategic locations around the city and plans to build a sand barricade around the sewage treatment plant and pumping station.

Low-lying farm ground adjacent to the river is flooding, as are the baseball diamonds in Petersburg.

Menard County EMA is currently monitoring the Sangamon River in various parts of the county, including in Petersburg and outlying areas, such as the Chautauqua Park neighborhood, Pritchetville Road, Foggy Bottom and Sunny Acres Road areas.

In Riverton, the Sangamon River was at 24.6 feet -- flood stage is 23 feet -- and that was expected to be its crest.

The Mackinaw River north of Green Valley was at 20.58 feet after reaching a record level of 28.48 feet.

Water is over a few roadways in the 87th District, and those roads have been barricaded and closed. Motorists are urged to stay safe: Do not drive into water on the roadway!

If you have been exposed to floodwaters, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends getting a tetanus shot.

[Text from news release sent on behalf of Rep. Rich Brauer by Illinois Senate Republican staff]