By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

Officials of Elwood, Kansas have advised residents to leave the city as the Missouri River threatens to overrun its banks and flood the city across the river from St. Joseph.

Emergency sirens sounded earlier this evening and deputies from the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Department along with Elwood police officers drove the streets of Elwood, advising residents to evacuate. Non-residents are not being allowed to enter the city.

City officials, during a community meeting, told residents utilities will be shut off from homes in preparation for possible flooding.

The National Weather Service reports the Missouri River at St. Joseph is at 29.9 feet and is projected to crest overnight at 30.5 feet. The record crest was reached in 1993 at 32.1 feet.