I-90 in Austin Reopens After Heavy Rain Prompts Flooding in MN

Austin, MN (KROC-AM News)- For the second time in less than a week, heavy rain caused major flooding in southeast Minnesota.

The Mower County Sheriff’s Office advised residents against traveling on Wednesday afternoon after a storm dropped heavy rain and prompted a Flood Warning that is scheduled to expire at 7:00 Thursday evening.

The same storm also produced Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings.

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I-90 in Austin Reopens, Traffic Being Diverted South of Interstate

Interstate 90 through Austin was closed due to flooding Thursday morning. On Thursday morning, the interstate reopened.

Interstate traffic was being diverted to Oakland Ave.

A photo shared on X by the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Southeast Minnesota District shows a car stalled on the flooded interstate. Official rain totals have not yet been published by the National Weather Service.

Residents Rescued from Homes

Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik says the rapidly-rising waters resulted in multiple people being trapped in their homes and in need of assistance to get out southeast of Austin in Adams and LeRoy.

He said all the residents who reported being trapped and their pets got out of their homes unharmed.

“Resources will be made available to residents affected by the flooding. Additional information, including recovery resources and assistance programs, will be shared as it becomes available,” Sandvik said.

He’s also encouraging Mower County residents impacted by funding to fill out a damage assessment form.

11 of the Most Devastating Weather Disasters in Minnesota Throughout The Years

We might be full of lakes and "nice" but Minnesota has had its fair share of horrible and nasty weather. Throughout the years we've had floods, fires, storms that have crushed stadium roofs flat, and tornadoes that have destroyed lives.

Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams