Flooding disrupts river transportation; tows limited - Entrepreneur Generations

U.S. Geological Survey map via DTN; click it for larger version

"Massive flooding, which usually occurs in spring, is plaguing the entire U.S. river system this winter," especially the Mississippi and its tributaries, Mary Kennedy reports for DTN/The Progressive Farmer. "That heavy precipitation has pushed the nation's main river system above flood stage, creating a mess for shippers. As of Dec. 30, the St. Louis harbor was closed."

Tom Russell of New Orleans-based Russell Marine Group told Kennedy, "Lower Mississippi River from Cairo to New Orleans is open but either at or will soon be at flood levels as water flushes through. Expect continued slow going logistics throughout the system. Fleets in St. Louis and Cairo are at max capacity. Tow sizes will be restricted to equivalent of 280 horsepower per barge to tow ratio. This is the first time I have seen such hp restriction."

Kennedy's report includes a rundown of most the major tributaries of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. To read it, click here.

from The Rural Blog http://ift.tt/1NXaZkh Flooding disrupts river transportation; tows limited - Entrepreneur Generations

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