Flooding Closes I-90 Between Austin and Dexter in Mower County
Austin, MN (KROC-AM News)- A portion of Interstate 90 in southeast Minnesota is closed due to flooding.
Heavy Rainfall Prompts Closure of I-90 in Mower County
Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik says heavy rainfall Wednesday night into Thursday morning has caused widespread flooding throughout Mower County.
A rainfall report issued by the National Weather Service Thursday morning indicates multiple Mower County communities picked up several inches of rain in the past 24 hours, with the highest total being 7.3 inches reported in Grand Meadow.
As a result of the rain, I-90 is closed in both directions between Dexter and Austin. Traffic is being diverted off the interstate at the Hwy. 16 and Hwy. 56 exits east of Austin.
Sandvik said multiple roadways in Mower County are experiencing rapidly changing conditions and that additional flooding is popping up.
“The Mower County Sheriff's Office is coordinating with local public works agencies, fire departments, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to monitor conditions, secure affected roadways, and establish detour routes where necessary,” Sandvik says.
Flood Watch
Mower, Olmsted, Winona, Houston and Fillmore Counties are included in a Flood Watch until 11 a.m. Thursday.
Sandvik and the weather service warn an additional rainfall amounts 1-3 inches and localized rain totals of up to five inches are possible Thursday morning.
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Officials advise motorists to avoid flooded roadways. “Floodwaters can be deeper than they appear, may conceal damaged pavement or debris, and can quickly sweep vehicles off the road,” Sandvik said.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams
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