4 to 8 Inches of Rain Brings Flooding to SE Minnesota

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Widespread flooding is being reported in southeastern Minnesota today.

Flood Warning Issued for Three Southeastern Minnesota Counties

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for all of Fillmore County, most of Mower County and a small portion of northern Houston County. The flood warning will be in effect until 5 p.m. Saturday.

4 to 8 Inches of Rain Reported in Flood Warning Area

As expected, torrential rains hit the region last night and early today, with the heaviest rains reported in areas south of Rochester. The National Weather Service is indicating that 4 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred in the areas included in the flood warning.

Rochester Airport Sets September 18 Rainfall Record

The National Weather Service is also reporting that 2.35 inches of rain was recorded at the Rochester airport through midnight last night, which was more than an inch above the previous rainfall record for September 18 that was set in 2003.

Flooded Roads and Mudslides Reported

There have been numerous reports of flooded roadways in southeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reporting that traffic on Highway 63 in Spring Valley has been detoured because of high water. There were also reports that Highway 16 near Lanesboro was closed to traffic due to mudslides, and there are social media reports of significant flooding in Spring Valley.

Firefighters Respond to Flood-Related Gas Leak

The Stewartville Fire Department responded around 8:15 this morning to a report of a possible gas leak. A news release says the responding firefighters found that an LP tank had been lifted from its original location by floodwaters and was actively leaking propane. The firefighters were able to safely secure the valve to stop the leak, disconnect the supply line and move the tank to dry ground.