If the River Don't Rise

In some parts of the US, people say that something will take place "if the river don't rise." It's like saying "God willing" in other cultures. Well, the Mighty Mississippi is rising. Big time.

The top picture is the street that runs along the river below the Arch, taken yesterday morning. The crest isn't predicted until next Saturday. In the second picture, city crews begin to install the removable section of floodwall that crosses this street. The permanent walls are on the left and right. You can see the water creeping up in the lower right.

The flooding has been much worse in the states north of here. Downtown St. Louis sits on a bluff - we'd never notice the river unless we took the trouble to walk or drive by. Lots more water is heading for us and I'll photograph it as the week goes on.

TOMORROW: Big Muddy