Heavy rainfall causes flooding concerns in west-central Minnesota
Between Thursday afternoon and late Friday morning, intense rainfall drenched much of Minnesota, with some areas reporting staggering totals. Raymond received the highest measurement at 6.86 inches, followed by Willmar with 4.21 inches, and Appleton at 3.58 inches. These numbers represent significant rainfall accumulation over a short period and are already having serious consequences on local infrastructure and communities.
The National Weather Service confirmed that St. Cloud recorded 1.10 inches at the St. Cloud Regional Airport, adding to an already saturated landscape. Further reports show Annandale with 3.55 inches, Glencoe at 3.36 inches, Montevideo at 3.30 inches, and Spicer at 3.09 inches.
Flood warning in effect for Big Stone County
As of Saturday morning, a Flood Warning remains in place across Big Stone County, located in far west-central Minnesota. This warning, issued due to widespread water accumulation, is set to last until 9:15 a.m., though authorities caution that flooded roads may remain inaccessible for several days.
The Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office is urging extreme caution on local roads. Many routes are experiencing water over the roadway, with severe damage reported in areas affected by rapid water movement. Residents should expect ongoing closures and disruptions as road crews work to assess and repair the impacted areas.
Precautionary measures around Big Stone Lake
Authorities are warning property owners near Big Stone Lake to stay alert and monitor water levels. Rising lake levels pose a potential threat to shoreline properties. Residents are encouraged to elevate docks, secure boats, and make any necessary preparations to mitigate water-related damage as rainfall continues into next week.
More rain in the forecast into mid-next week
Meteorologists anticipate additional rainfall over the coming days, likely persisting through mid-next week. With ground already saturated and rivers running high, further precipitation could exacerbate flooding issues, particularly in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Stay informed by following updates from WJON News, and continue to monitor the evolving weather situation across Minnesota.
