The Mississippi River has reached about 18.4 feet in downtown St. Paul and forecasters say the water could rise by nearly another foot by the time the river crests in St. Paul later this week.
City officials report no significant damage from the high water, although they have closed a number of streets and two downtown park areas.
Rick Larkin, the city's emergency manager, says the city is already thinking about cleanup after the flood waters recede.
"Once the water goes down, we'll move to the recovery phase, and the recovery phase is about assessing the damages," Larkin said. "There's a pretty expensive and sophisticated drainage system under the great lawn at Harriet Island, as well as the pavilion itself. So we'll be checking for damages there, as well as along Water Street and the marinas."
Larkin said they are very pleased, but cautious, about how things are going.
"We've been able to remain ahead of the rising water, which is always a good place to be," he said.
The Mississippi is expected to crest Thursday in St. Paul.
