MINNEAPOLIS— The water is rising and threatening communities in several parts of Minnesota more rain is expected to fall Saturday afternoon in the Twin Cities.
The National Weather Service has issued a slew of flood watches and warnings in southeastern Minnesota around Worthington and Owatonna, as well as in northeastern Minnesota near Duluth. There are also numerous river flood warnings around the metro and central Minnesota.
On Friday, Gov. Tim Walz traveled to northern Minnesota to survey flood damage in the city of Cook.
“Here, in the midst of the flooding, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of Minnesotans. Together we will rebuild, and the state stands ready to support,” he said.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Saturday she was working with local officials to assess the damage.
“When the threshold for FEMA disaster assistance is reached, that assistance will be delivered quickly,” she said in a statement.
The Mississippi River in St. Paul
In the Twin Cities, the Mississippi River has not yet peaked, but it is expected to reach major flood stage and crest on Thursday or Friday. Parts of Harriet Island are expected to be underwater.
Fort Snelling State Park
Fort Snelling State Park will close at 10 p.m. Saturday until the waters recede and crews can perform associated cleanup and repairs. Rising water from the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers is expected to flood the park’s main road.
Flood Warning issued for the St. Louis River
The National Weather Service in Duluth has issued a flood warning for the St. Louis River at Scanlon, which will impact northeastern Carlton County and southern St. Louis County. The warning expires Monday at 4 p.m.
The river was at 10 feet Saturday morning, the weather service said. At 3.5 meters, minor flooding occurs in areas near the river, and at 4 meters, water begins to enter nearby buildings. The river is expected to rise above flood stage Saturday evening, cresting at 12 feet just after midnight.
Officials are urging caution near riverbanks, saying residents should expect high and fast water on the river as it flows through Jay Cooke State Park.
Owatonna Flood
Owatonna has seen more than 4 inches of rain over the past two days, flooding local parks and rivers.
Samantha Milton
Highway 14 closed near Janesville
Flooding has closed both the eastern and western routes of Highway 14 due to flooding. For the most up-to-date information, keep an eye on the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s website.
Crow River flooding in Delano
The Crow River in Delano entered flood stage early Saturday morning. Earlier this week, city residents installed metal flood walls, an alternative to sandbags. It is the third time since 2015 that residents have raised the walls.
The river is expected to peak Sunday evening. In December 2023, the river set the record at just 1.20 meters, but now it is back to almost 6 meters.
Road closures in Faribault
Barricades in Faribault are blocking part of Second Avenue, officials say. The Faribault compost site is also closed until further notice due to elevated water levels.
No travel advisory in Mower County
Officials in Mower County have issued a travel ban as many of the roads are flooded. The Mower County Sheriff’s Office says residents are not allowed to drive through or around the barricades.
Interstate 90 flooded in Austin
Portions of Interstate 90 east of Austin are flooded and officials are urging residents to use caution while driving.
