flood risk

The Mississippi River is the nation’s most endangered river, a national conservation group says, because of federal plans to cut flood relief programs as severe weather threats grow.

Cities along the Mississippi River are closing their flood gates and preparing for water to continue to rise after four days of torrential downpours soaked basin states with up to 15 inches of rain in some areas.

Researchers predict rising seas will increase severe flood risks for about 2.5 million Americans by 2050.