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Race against time as River Des Peres threatens homes

The river is expected to crest about 3.5 feet lower than 1993, but it's still expected to be high enough to reach about half of the wall that crews are building.

ST. LOUIS — Sandbagging continues along the River Des Peres as rising waters threaten several homes and neighborhoods. 

The city has a huge workforce preparing for next week's flooding. As waters continue to rise, it's a race against time. Crews are working quickly and hard to build a flood wall before the river crests on Monday. 

"At this point, we're just really concerned about what's going to happen," Gale Poteete said. 

It's been more than 20 years since Poteete's father-in-law moved to his home on Germania street in south St. Louis. His house sits just across the street from the River Des Peres, where rising waters are now near historic levels. 

"I'm extremely nervous and extremely worried," she said. 

As the water continue to inch closer to his home, it's not hard for her to remember the historic flood of '93. 

"In '93, we were actually down here filling sand bags and trying to stop the water from coming over into his property," she told 5 On Your Side.

Back in 1993, flood waters broke through a flood wall in this part of town and flooded basements. Poteete is concerned it will happen again. 

"We keep looking over here right now and just praying that the water don't come over the bank," she said. 

Other neighbors like Margaret Goldkuhl are also worried. 

"I don't want to go through that again," GoldKuhl said. 

However, the city has a plan in place to help these homeowners. Over the next few days, crews are filling 8,000 feet of sand bags. This time the city said the barrier will be taller and stronger. 

The city is really trying. All we can do right now is pray that it don't come over the walls," Poteete said. 

Just last week, Poteete said her father-in-law's basement flooded due to the same rising waters. She said if it happens for a third time, she'll be making other plans for her family. 

"Next time, he will be moved out of here. We will not let him and her stay here. We cannot keep doing this," she said. 

For Goldkuhl, she's just praying her home is in the clear. 

"I keep going the basement to see if the water is coming up but so far it hasn't," she said. 

Crews filled about 1,500 feet Friday and plan to do another 2,000 feet per day until Sunday night. They will be back at River Des Peres around 7 a.m. Saturday.

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