YANKTON, S.,D. - The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers closed its spillway gates that were opened due to recent rainfall upstream of Gavins Point Dam in Yankton, S.D.,   and releases were lowered from 24,000 to 20,000 cfs.

The spillway gates were closed at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Water Management Division Chief John Remus said releases will be reduced again Thursday to 13,000 cfs,  if the pool continues to decrease.

Spencer Giles, emergency management chief with the corp’s Omaha district, said there is increased risk when levees are loaded with water, but the corps expects the levees to perform as designed.

He said, however, those in the protected areas of the levees still need to be vigilant and stay informed on evacuation routes.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has extended his state of emergency earlier this spring to include river flooding that is expected in coming days along the Missouri River.