Spring 2019 flooding in Minnesota

On Sunday evening, MnDOT reported that an ice jam and rising water had forced the closure of State Highway 99 across the Minnesota River at St. Peter.

They're unpredictable; they're tough to address; and they can have significant impacts. As ice on rivers and creeks melts, cracks and otherwise breaks up, it can build up against natural bends in the waterway or structures -- like bridges or piers -- jutting into it as the water flows downstream.

The risk of spring flooding in the Red River Valley has been reduced slightly because of limited precipitation in the last few weeks, although National Weather Service forecasters said Thursday there's still a lot of moisture in the system.

A city building dubbed Sandbag Central will soon be open for business as Fargo leaders prepare for spring flooding along the Red River.