Levee gates to be installed Tuesday along Hannibal riverfront

HANNIBAL, Mo. — All five levee gates will be installed along the Hannibal riverfront on Tuesday, July 2.

A press release from the city’s Emergency Management Department said the gates are being installed based on guidance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service. The Mississippi River in Hannibal is forecast to reach 20.5 feet on July 4 and rise to 22 feet on Saturday July 6.

“While the installation of the levee gates is important to keeping downtown Hannibal dry, we want to emphasize that most events will continue with little to no changes,” Hannibal Police Chief Jacob Nacke said in the release. “As events like National Tom Sawyer Days prepare to kick off, it is important to recognize these events occur behind the levee system which has served our community since 1993. Please be patient with event organizers and follow updates on social media for the latest information.”

The south side will still be accessible by the South Main Bridge at these heights. The Hannibal Police Department is in contact with the bridge replacement contractor to ensure Warren Barrett will be open to allow traffic to travel access the South Main Bridge. Changes in the forecast will be monitored.