Montevideo, Minn. – Moderate flooding continues to swell along parts of the Minnesota River this week, with several communities facing high water levels that are expected to crest by Friday. Emergency officials warn drivers to stay alert as floodwaters remain a hazard across southern and western Minnesota.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, the Minnesota River at Montevideo rose to 16 feet Wednesday evening and is expected to crest near 16.2 feet Friday. At Morton, the river has already reached 24.5 feet, prompting bypass pumping and road closures near North Redwood.
Further downstream, Granite Falls is dealing with minor flooding as the Minnesota River nears 885.8 feet, enough to push water into alleyways near the footbridge. Brown County is also under flood warnings, with the Cottonwood River slowly falling near New Ulm and Springfield. Both locations are forecast to drop below flood stage by late Thursday into Friday morning.
Officials urge residents not to drive around barricades or attempt to cross flooded roads. Low-lying areas near riverbanks remain dangerous, even where water appears to be receding.
Flood warnings will stay in place until further notice, with river levels expected to ease gradually through the weekend. Additional advisories could be issued if rainfall increases runoff.
