Spring Valley Hit Hard by Flooding
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - I-90 was barricaded in Austin for hours and widespread flooding has been reported throughout southeastern Minnesota in the aftermath of the torrential rains that have fallen across the region since Friday.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation was forced to shut down both lanes of I-90 after water covered the roadway this morning. Highway 63 in Spring Valley is also closed due to flooding and there are reports of potential mudslides on Highway 61 south of Winona.
In Spring Valley, Spring Valley Creek rapidly surged over its banks early this morning and caused major flooding in the Fillmore County community. Photos provided by Discover Spring Valley, MN show much of the central downtown area in Spring Valley inundated by the floodwaters.
A flood warning has been posted for portions of Rochester along the South Fork of the Zumbro River on the north half of the city. The National Weather Service is projecting the river will rise above 14 feet in northwest Rochester, which could result in some minor flooding.
The National Weather Service is currently predicting the Zumbro River will reach 25 feet at Zumbro Falls Sunday morning. That's only about a foot below the level where major flooding can occur. The Middle Fork of the river is projected to crest late Saturday night at the moderate flood stage in Pine Island at around 19 feet, while the crest this evening in Wanamingo is predicted to be just under the major flood stage.
The National Weather Service posted impressive 48-hour rain totals for communities throughout the Rochester area.
Spring Valley and Chatfield both have received over six inches of rain since Friday, measuring at 6.5 inches and 6.2 inches respectively.
Nearly six inches fell in Elgin, 5.62 inches soaked Winona, Austin received 5.29 inches, 5.1 inches were reported in Kasson.
The rainfall measured in Rochester came in at 4.75 inches. The National Weather Service reported a new record for rainfall in Rochester for June 21.
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