Cleanup continues after major flooding in New Richland

Cleanup continues Monday in the southern Minnesota city of New Richland, after major flooding over the weekend.

Storms dropped well over a half-foot of rain on the community in Waseca County from late Friday into early Saturday, causing flooding that swamped streets and surrounded buildings and vehicles.

New Richland has a population of about 1,200 — and city officials told KARE 11 that up to 80 percent of homes in the city were affected by the floodwaters.

Residents of a senior living facility were among those who had to be evacuated as waters rose on Saturday. Volunteers — including students from New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva High School — helped with sandbagging and assisting people displaced from their homes.

There were no reports of injuries from the flooding.

Many roads in the city and some in surrounding areas — including state highways — were closed through much of the weekend.

The same storms also caused flash flooding elsewhere in south-central and southeast Minnesota. Stretches of the Root River remained in minor flood stage on Monday morning.

• Another cool, cloudy day to start the week
• Cooler temperatures ahead with minimal rain chances
• Clouds increase as cool pattern continues