How to help Minnesota communities affected by flooding
From Waterville to Cook, parts of the state are dealing with devastating floods and residents are looking for relief.
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From Waterville to Cook, parts of the state are dealing with devastating floods and residents are looking for relief.
Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar took an aerial tour of the region earlier in the day to survey flood damage. Thereafter, Walz said he would potentially call a special session if the damage costs end up higher than the relief money currently available.
This June sees above average rainfall for much of the state.
Heavy rains have caused record-setting flooding in the Midwest. In Iowa, water in some areas has risen above records from 1993. And in Minnesota, parts of the Mankato area were evacuated after the Blue Earth River caused a partial failure of the Rapidan Dam.
When it opened in 1910, the dam doubled the power capacity of Mankato's electric system, according to the Blue Earth County Historical Society.
The National Weather Service says several Minnesota rivers are in major flood stage, and many points are approaching or exceeding record flood levels.
Emergency crews are monitoring the dam closely, blocking off the bridge as a steady stream of people came by to take a look.
Businesses in Northfield are preparing for a potential rush of floodwaters to impact them. WCCO's David Schuman has the latest.
The governor called in the National Guard to help residents in the small town of Waterville. They've been battling high water for days just about 70 miles south of the Twin Cities. Caroline Cummings shows us how residents are getting ready for more flooding to come.
Flooding has put an iconic dam in jeopardy, along with homes and a business nearby. Due to a build-up of debris, the Rapidan Dam near Mankato is in “imminent failure condition,” according to the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department. John Lauritsen shows us the damage that’s already been done and why a family’s livelihood could be next.
Twenty-one counties in the state of Iowa are under a disaster declaration. More than a dozen rivers flooded in the northwest part of the state. Our Jonah Kaplan traveled from the Twin Cities to Spencer, Iowa, where he's keeping an eye on the rising water there.
As parts of Minnesota continue to endure unprecedented flooding, state leaders say they're prepared to respond. Beret Leone shows us what they're doing to help.
Blue Earth County owns the Rapidan Dam and it's their job to maintain the integrity of it. WCCO Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle has been digging in to learn more about this dam.
Rising water levels led to the partial failure of the Rapidan Dam in the town of Rapidan on Monday morning. The water is washing away buildings and powerlines next to the dam, leading to power outages and dangerous debris in the water. John Lauritsen shows us how people are now bracing themselves for the worst.
High water in Minnesota is already causing major problems. A big one on Monday: a Minnesota dam has failed. The Rapidan Dam sits in the Blue Earth River near Rapidan Township and Mankato. Our John Lauritsen has been monitoring conditions there all day.
One Waterville, Minnesota, resident said "hundreds of cabins and homes" have been flooded and that his cabin saw about 18 inches of water.
Experts believe the Cannon River finally crested in Northfield on Sunday evening, reaching 901.52 feet above sea level.
Experts believe the Cannon River has finally crested in Northfield, reaching 901.52 feet Sunday at about 8 p.m., potentially setting a new record.
In Warsaw, the owner of Channel Inn put out a call for help on Facebook, and within minutes, community members started showing up to help fill sandbags.
Sunday night, flood warnings are still in place across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In Rice County, rivers rose fast overnight, flooding into neighborhoods in Morristown, Faribault, Warsaw and other small communities. WCCO's Kirsten Mitchell was there as people raced to save their homes.
With 1,000 volunteers and 60,000 sandbags filled and distributed, city and county officials said they don't know when this flood fight will end.
The flood fight is on across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Local leaders say this is the worst flooding the town of Waterville has ever seen. Our Jason Rantala is there and he's seen the damage firsthand.
Gov. Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency in the southern Minnesota city of Waterville and has activated the National Guard to help in the fight against rising floodwaters.
Flooding in one Sibley County town is leaving residents with only one way in or out.
The Crow River in Delano is expected to crest on Sunday night, bringing the river to major flooding stage.
