ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Mississippi River is cresting at several spots in Missouri, but it will be several days before the water recedes below flood stage.

The National Weather Service said Tuesday that the Mississippi was at or near its high point south of St. Louis. It was nearly 11 feet above flood stage in Cape Girardeau, and expected to remain at about that level through Thursday before a gradual decline.

The Mississippi was also high to the north, forcing closure of a section of Route 79 at Annada in Pike County.

All told, 39 roads are closed due to flooding, mostly in the northern and eastern parts of the state.

Scattered storms are possible through the week, potentially causing water levels to rise again.