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)--Flood concerns remain across the region as forecasts for the Missouri River continue to fluctuate.

As of late Tuesday morning, March 19, the National Weather Service forecast called for the Missouri River at Atchison to crest Thursday evening at 31.2 feet.

The highest crest on record is 31.63 feet in July 1993. Flood stage is 22 feet.

Monday’s meeting of the Atchison City Commission began with a flood-focused prayer by Sister Barbara McCracken, OSB, of Mount Saint Scholastica. “I’m from Nebraska, so I grew up there, and I have lots of relatives there, so our prayer is kind of for the flood victims today,” she told the Commission.

Monday’s Doniphan County Commission meeting focused on the flood situation. Commission Chair Thad Geiger executed a seven-day Local Emergency Disaster Declaration. According to the minutes for the meeting, the declaration will be renewed weekly until flooding is no longer a threat.

During the session, Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng informed the Commission that Highway 7 is closed from Iowa Point north to the Nebraska state line due to flood waters across the roadway. 

Meng also explained that the American Red Cross will have an emergency shelter set up at the Troy Community Building in Troy beginning today, Tuesday, March 19. She also explained that the KC Metro Animal Response Team is onsite at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Troy to assist with pets for individuals affected by the flood who are not able to relocate with their pets.

Following a question from the public, Meng also clarified that grades 3rd through 8th have been relocated from Riverside USD 114, in Elwood to the school district’s west campus, and First Baptist Church, in Wathena, at least through the week, or until the flood threat subsides.