Minnesota Braces For Major Flooding Following Snowy Winter

Most of Minnesota should escape serious flooding over the next couple weeks, emergency managers said Wednesday, but cautioned that higher-than-expected rains in the coming days or rapid snowmelt in the Red River Valley could raise the threat.

Minnesota is coming off one of its snowiest winters on record — the third snowiest in the Twin Cities.

The St. Croix River at Stillwater has “basically leveled off” and should hold steady before gradually falling early next week, depending on whether significant rainfall arrives next week.

The Mississippi River at St. Paul will be at major flood stage from the weekend through early next week.

Communities on the North Dakota side of the Red River, such as Fargo and Grand Forks, and on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi, such as La Crosse, have also been preparing.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum declared a statewide emergency last week. His office said Wednesday that drones from the Federal Aviation Administration will assist with monitoring flood levels, melt rates and ice jams.

The Minnesota Department of Health used the briefing to urge private well users to make sure they’re prepared in case their wells flood or already have.

Flood waters often carry hazardous and toxic materials, Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Petersen-Kroeber said.

Wells that flood should be presumed to be contaminated and the water should not be used for drinking, cooking or even tooth-brushing until they’ve been inspected and disinfected, she said. The department has posted advice on its website.