Damage assessment, cleanup underway after flash flooding in southeast Minnesota
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Rivers and creeks continued to recede in southeast Minnesota on Friday, a day after torrential rain led to flash flooding.
Assessment and cleanup of the damage was just beginning. More than a half-foot of rain across parts of Mower, Fillmore and Houston counties and surrounding areas on Thursday, forced the closure of some state highways — including a stretch of Interstate 90.
Those highways were back open Friday, but some local and county roads in southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa could still be closed by high water and washouts.
The flooding also shuttered state parks and trails in the area ahead of the busy Fourth of July weekend.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Beaver Creek Valley State Park near Caledonia is closed until further notice after floodwaters blocked the park road and damaged a bridge.
At Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, cave tours are canceled until park staff can survey and address any safety issues following the torrential rain. Campgrounds are open, but some trails may be closed.
Along the Root River State Trail, the flooding caused washouts and mudslides. The DNR was advising hikers and bikers to stay off the trail until that damage can be fully assessed.
The agency advised visitors to check the park and trail websites for updates on those closures.
Some private campgrounds along creeks and rivers also reported damage from Thursday’s flooding.
More rounds of rain are possible across the region Friday and Saturday. Find forecast updates on MPR Weather’s Updraft blog.
