Flooding Shuts Down Interstates in Missouri, Illinois

A rare winter flood has shut down parts of two interstate highways in Missouri and Illinois.

    

Torrential rains in recent days had pushed already swollen rivers and streams to levels that had been virtually unheard-of in parts of the two states. And record flooding is projected in some towns along the Mississippi River.

    

At least 18 deaths in Missouri and Illinois are blamed on flooding, mostly involving vehicles that drove onto swamped roadways.

    

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has called in the National Guard to assist with flood-fighting efforts.

    

Several businesses are flooded in the eastern Missouri town of Union after a small river raged out of control. Water is near the roofs of a McDonald's, QuikTrip and several other businesses that sit near the river. (AP)