Voluntary evacuation of Canton lifted

CANTON — The northeast Missouri community of Canton has lifted its voluntary evacuation. But officials are urging residents to use discretion in making their plans to return.

Canton Emergency Management Director Jeff McReynolds says the levee is sound and the Mississippi River is down to about 24.4 feet, putting waters back below the critical design stage. He says heavy rainfall in Iowa was not over a widespread area, reducing risk in Canton that the river would crest again.

He says if residents and businesses have their furnishings in a secure area, they may want to leave them there for now. A close eye will be kept on rainfall and the river levels for several weeks.