SPRINGFIELD – A portion of the Little Wabash River in southern Illinois is closed to river traffic due to flooding, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced.

The Little Wabash River closed April 8 and will remain closed until further notice from the Interstate 64 bridge in White County to the confluence of the Wabash River in Gallatin County.

With rising levels and flood warnings in local communities, conditions are not favorable for boating on the Little Wabash River because of extreme currents and submerged debris. In addition, unnecessary wakes caused by boats could affect sandbagging efforts and damage structures. Out of an abundance of caution, IDNR issued a river closure for the area.

IDNR is authorized by law to designated restricted boating areas when navigation is significantly dangerous.

Boaters and visitors to Illinois state parks and historic sites are encouraged to go online for additional information and a full list of IDNR closures.