Heavy rainfall drenches central Minnesota
From Tuesday through 4 p.m. Friday, Minnesota has been soaked by a slow-moving weather system delivering moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly across central Minnesota. Rain gauges have reported widespread totals exceeding 2 inches, with several areas surpassing 4 inches.
The heaviest accumulation so far was reported in Willmar, where 4.52 inches (114.8 mm) have fallen. Other towns in the same region—such as Annandale with 4.07 inches (103.4 mm) and Appleton with 3.76 inches (95.5 mm)—are not far behind. These significant totals underscore the persistent nature of this week’s storm system, which began its multi-day track across the state on Thursday.
Localized areas hit hardest
Despite the already substantial official totals, unofficial radar estimates initially showed 15–20 inches (381–508 mm) of rainfall just south of Willmar, particularly across southern Kandiyohi County. These figures, however, are highly inflated due to limitations in radar-based rain estimates. According to the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities, actual rainfall in that area is more likely between 7 to 9 inches (177–229 mm).
Some examples of radar-based overestimates were noted on weather apps like WeatherWise and RadarScope, which indicated false readings nearing 19 inches (482.6 mm). The NWS clarified that dual-polarization radar likely overestimated totals by nearly double what’s been measured on the ground.
Flooding outlook remains mild—for now
Despite the heavy rainfall across the state, there have been no flood warnings issued as of noon Friday, and reports of damage remain minimal. The Willmar area experienced some nuisance-level ponding on streets, but the hard-hit rural zones haven’t reported major flooding yet. However, with more precipitation expected through midweek, the risk of flooding or flash flooding could increase—particularly in already saturated regions.
Notable rainfall totals by location (as of 4 p.m. Friday):
4.52 in (114.8 mm) – Willmar
4.07 in (103.4 mm) – Annandale
3.76 in (95.5 mm) – Appleton
3.53 in (89.7 mm) – Glencoe
3.47 in (88.1 mm) – Montevideo
3.29 in (83.6 mm) – Spicer
3.09 in (78.5 mm) – Frontenac
3.08 in (78.2 mm) – Lester Prairie
2.94 in (74.7 mm) – Hutchinson, Dassel
2.88 in (73.2 mm) – Fairmont
2.87 in (72.9 mm) – Kandiyohi
2.86 in (72.6 mm) – Welch
And many more towns reported totals above 2.5 inches, including Minneapolis, Delano, Eden Valley, and Northfield.
With the National Weather Service monitoring continued rainfall this weekend, eyes remain on the saturated central corridor of the state, where runoff and water accumulation could become more problematic in the coming days.
