Flooding is likely along the Minnesota River this Spring.

With the threat of flooding greater than normal, the Minnesota Department of Commerce advised Minnesotans last week to consider purchasing flood insurance. The DOC noted that in recent years, floods have caused many Minnesotans to suffer major property damage and serious financial losses due to a lack of flood insurance protection. More information about flood insurance can be found here.

The US Army Corps of Engineers will conduct snow surveys throughout the region beginning Monday, March 18th.  Snow surveys will determine the water content of remaining snow pack.

In Southwestern Minnesota, the Redwood River has a greater than 95 percent chance of minor flooding, according to the NWS in Minneapolis, as does the Cottonwood River in New Ulm. Along the Minnesota River, the chances of minor flooding – from Montevideo to Savage – are almost universally at greater than 95 percent. 

All these predictions came before more snow buried parts of western and southern Minnesota last weekend. Valley Green Mobile Home Park was voluntarily evacuated during the week due to flooding caused by ice jams on Sand Creek in Scott County.

For information about flooding and what to do in the event of a flood go to the 2019 Spring Flooding page on the Homeland Security and Emergency Management website.

Long range flood risk can be found on the National Weather Service website.  The NWS also has a useful page for Flood Safety Tips and Resources