Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to drop due to lack of rain

NEW MADRID, Mo. (WSIL) -- The dry weather continues to impact the region, even after some rain moved through the area on Thursday.

Not only does the lack of rain raise concerns for dry vegetation and fires, it also impacts rivers and tributaries.

In Mississippi County, the Dorena-Hickman Ferry halted operations due to the low river levels on Thursday.

On September 4, at 10 a.m., the Mississippi River was at 6.22 feet. The forecast has the river dropping down to 2.5 feet on September 18, according to National Water Prediction Service (NWPS).

In New Madrid on September 4, the NWPS has the Mississippi River at 2.97 feet. By September 18, the forecasted river level is forecasted to drop to -0.3 feet.

In Cape Girardeau on September 4, the NWPS has the Mississippi River at 15.96 feet. This