In the United States the upper Mississippi River was expected to reach its high point yesterday, cresting at several spots north of St. Louis. National Weather Service forecasters said the river would crest at points from Canton, Missouri, near the Iowa state line, down through the town of Clarksville.

Towns closer to St. Louis, like Winfield, Illinois, where water breached a levee, will see the river cresting today.

An officer in Foley, Missouri, said they were preparing for the flood water to rise further.

The storms and flooding that started in early June have forced thousands from their homes across six states, killing 24 and injuring around 150 people.

Rural areas such as Lincoln County, Missouri, suffered the worst. Over 300 homes were flooded after more than 90 percent of the county's levees were breached.

AP