Mississippi River Forecast to Rise Sharply

La Crosse, WI (KROC-AM News) - The torrential rains that have produced deadly flooding in parts of eastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin are predicted to produce sharp increases in water levels on the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, but no significant flooding problems are expected.

The National Weather Service says the river at Lake City had risen to 8.3 feet Thursday afternoon and is forecast to rise another five feet before cresting next Tuesday about 2 ½ feet below flood stage. At Wabasha, the Mississippi is predicted to crest within a couple inches of flood stage, while the water levels at Winona should peak about 2 ½ feet under flood stage.

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Moose Lake, MN (Learfield Wire Service) - Several roads and highways remain under water in Minnesota and northern Wisconsin where flooding caused by storms earlier this week has yet to recede.

Authorities say volunteers are filling and stacking sandbags in Moose Lake, Minnesota where residents are keeping an eye on rising lake water. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says untreated sewage was being discharged into Moosehead Lake and Moose Horn River at an estimated rate of 450 gallons per minute in order to prevent damage to the wastewater infrastructure.

The Pine County Sheriff's Office issued a voluntary evacuation notice for Willow River because of high water at the city dam.

In Wisconsin, Highway 2 between Ashland and Hurley remained closed as well as other roads in the region. Wisconsin officials also reported a third flood related fatality on Thursday. The body of an 82-year-old Ashland Wisconsin man was found inside a pickup truck that was spotted in the floodwaters.