Heavy rain hits SE Minnesota – more on the way

Southeastern Minnesota was hit by strong storm cells last night and they dumped heavy rain in some areas with totals of more than 4 inches. Some of the heaviest rain fell in Dodge and Mower counties. Dodge County Sheriff Jim Jensen says several rural roads are still covered with water this morning and many have been barricaded until the water recedes.
Rainfall totals in Olmsted County include just over an inch and a half at the Rochester airport to more than 2 inches at the St. Mary’s helipad. There have been numerous reports of three inches or more in parts of Rochester and Olmsted County.
Flooding caused problems in the Oxbow Park area and strong winds

blew down trees and branches in many areas. A wind gust of 68 miles per hour was recorded at the St. Mary’s helipad.

There will be a chance of more storms much of this week, including tonight.

Rainfall totals by the end of the week could be in the 3 - 5 inch range in southeast Minnesota.  Rochester has received nearly three inches since Saturday.

Emergency management officials say severe storms that swept through southwest and southern Wisconsin early today damaged dozens of homes and downed trees and power lines in Dane County. National Weather Service teams will be in the storm zone today checking to see if the damage was caused by tornadoes. Damaged buildings and the loss of power at the University of Wisconsin campus in Platteville led officials to shut down for the day. There was also significant damage in the town of Verona and the southwest side of Madison. There were reports of homes collapsing and others with roofs missing. No injuries have been reported yet.