This photo, submitted to MSC News Monday, March 18, 2019, by Cathy Scholz, shows Missouri River flood waters covering much of a bench at Atchison's riverfront. 

(KAIR)--With flood waters over the roadway, the decision has been made to close Atchison's River Road in its entirety.

That's confirmed by Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter.

Prior to the complete closure, a stretch of the roadway had been shutdown due to the flooding.

As of Wednesday morning, the Missouri River, at Atchison, was 29.2 feet, with the National Weather Service Forecast calling for the river, at Atchison, to crest at 31.2 feet Thursday morning. Flood stage is 22 feet.

Atchison’s highest crest on record is 31.63 feet in July 1993.

The Army Corps of Engineers has reduced releases from Gavins Point Dam.

According to a news release from the Corps Tuesday evening, the releases were reduced to 28,000 cubic feet per second Tuesday evening, after being reduced from 38,000 cubic feet per second Tuesday morning.

The Corps plans to continue making the reductions until they reach 20,000 cubic feet per second.

According to the release, Gavins Point release changes take two to three days to reach Omaha, three to four days to reach Nebraska City, and four to five days to reach Kansas City, Missouri.

Flooding along the Missouri River has caused elevated concern locally, along with precautionary measures such as moving classes for some students from Elwood to Wathena in Doniphan County.

The City of Elwood Tuesday evening held the latest in a series of community meetings to update residents on the flooding situation. 

The National Weather Service Wednesday morning predicted the Missouri River at Elwood to crest at 28.7 feet Thursday afternoon. A mandatory evacuation plan for Elwood is in place at 30 feet. As of Wednesday morning, the river, at Elwood, was at 26.91 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet.