More recording breaking Mississippi River levels

Drought continues to cause more widespread impacts across much of the midwestern and southern parts of the United States. This time, the impact is record breaking low river levels in more northern portions of the Mississippi river than seen the last several weeks.

In Memphis Tennessee, water levels measured -11.85 ft. These substantially low river levels, are starting to raise concerns as river barges are starting to have to lighten their fill capacities to half to avoid dragging on the bottom of the river. According the the Corp of Engineers office in St.Louis, two dredging barges are continuing to carve a 9 foot channel to allow ship access to continuing the transport of American goods up and down the river.

All along the Mississippi river, drought remains nearby as conditions this year remain very dry. Water in the Great Lakes region has been hard to come by leading to more issues further south on the river.

Even though the Missouri river is seeing low water levels also, there is currently no threat to any barge transportation according to the Corp of Engineers office in Kansas City. River levels continue to remain high enough to allow for safe passages and there are no immediate expectations for this to change.

Both rivers look to continue to remain in these lower levels as little rain is expected in the next week to help boost totals.