Prairie State Wire

A section of the Little Wabash River located in southern Illinois has been closed to boaters due to flooding concerns, according to an announcement from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

The closure, effective from April 8, applies to the river stretch from the Interstate 64 bridge in White County to where the river meets the Wabash River in Gallatin County. The river will remain off-limits until further notice.

The IDNR reported that rising water levels and flood warnings have created unsafe conditions for boating. The river presents extreme currents and submerged debris, posing significant risks to navigation. Additionally, "unnecessary wakes caused by boats could affect sandbagging efforts and damage structures," leading to the decision to close the area out of an abundance of caution.

The IDNR has the legal authority to designate restricted boating areas when conditions make navigation dangerous. For those seeking more information about closures and advisories, the IDNR recommends visiting their website for updates.