A Wet Forecast For the 2023 Spring Flood Run in SE Minnesota

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Winona, MN (KROC-AM News) - The weather is expected to be less than ideal for the 58th annual Flood Run along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota.

Thousands of motorcyclists are expected to participate in the annual fundraiser for the Gillette Children's Hospital in the Twin Cities. The route will take the motorcyclists from St. Croix Beach to Winona and back on Saturday. The State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have extra patrol scheduled this weekend in hopes of keeping everyone safe.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says motorcycle riders need to take safety into their own hands and other motorists need to look twice for motorcyclists.

“We want riders to ride smart, enjoy the spring ride and make it home safely. That takes motorcyclists and other motorists working together to share the road,” said Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol. “Motorcyclists should ride sober, ride at their own pace in groups, be prepared for potential road hazards, and know how to safely navigate curves in the road. Other motorists should give riders space and diligently check blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.”

The Flood Run celebrates the actions of about a dozen motorcyclists who rode to Winona from the Twin Cities in 1965 to help with the cleanup following the devastating flooding that occurred following that year's snowmelt. While the river is not expected to reach the level seen in 1965, the National Weather Service says the flood crest in some communities could rival the high water marks recorded in the 2001 flood, during which the water levels were the second highest on record.

The weather forecast for tomorrow calls for scattered storms, gusty winds, and temperatures falling through the 50s during the afternoon.