Gloomy forecast gives rise to flood concerns

Posted at 8:00 AM on March 21, 2011 by Michael Olson
Filed under: Around MN

Preparations for spring flooding continue around the state. The latest predictions for precipitation aren't reflected in current flood outlooks. "Rain - or even snow - this week will change runoff rates and patterns, complicating crest predictions" (Star Tribune). Folks in the Red River region are expecting "nearly a foot of snow" according to the Grand Forks Herald. The North Shore, Duluth and Superior are waiting for another blast of winter. The Northland News Center reports the area is under a blizzard watch.

"Ice chunks floated down the Cottonwood River as it rapidly passed under the Cottonwood Street bridge at the south end of town." The New Ulm Journal reports that motorists crossed the bridge after someone removed caution tape used by police to block the access to the flood zone. A flood warning was issued for Turtle Creek outside of Austin.

There's a 20% chance that the Mississippi could flood more than it did in 1964.

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