Waterlogged areas of southern Minnesota should finally catch a break today. The forecast calls for dry weather, the first time all week. Heavy rain fell this past week in an area from Marshall to Mankato and the Twin Cities. The National Weather Service office in the Twin Cities recorded more than 4 inches of rain yesterday - the most ever for any day in June.

Southeast Minnesota has also been dealing with heavy rain. Rochester picked up another inch yesterday. Since last Saturday, the Rochester airport has recorded 4 inches.

All that rain has left thousands of acres of farm fields underwater and the crops may be lost as they may not drain for a few days. It has also pushed rivers and streams out of their banks in many areas. Other rivers continue rising and will create flooding problems in the Twin Cities and elsewhere that may last several days. The Mississippi hit flood stage in the Wabasha area this morning and is expected to go up another foot and a half by next Friday.
Governor Dayton has declared a state of emergency in 35 Minnesota counties due to the major flooding and other damage throughout the state. In this region, the declaration covers Olmsted, Dodge, Mower, Goodhue, Freeborn, Steele, Waseca and Rice Counties. The order makes a wide range of state resources available and engages state agencies in response efforts.

He is touring the state again today as his staff is gearing up for an assessment that may lead to a request for federal assistance.

 

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