Watch: Drone footage shows Minnesota River flooding over Highway 93
MnDOT
The Minnesota River has been closing roads and flooding fields in southeastern Minnesota for several days now.
A combination of recent rain and rapid snowmelt has prompted flood warnings along Minnesota's major river systems, with southeastern areas of the state particularly at risk thanks to the presence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has released a drone video showing the extent of the flooding in Le Sueur, where floodwater from the Minnesota River has overrun Highway 93 and several other local roads near to Hwy. 169.
MnDOT is advising drivers not to ignore barricades or drive into flooded areas, noting that just 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of passenger cars, causing potential loss of control and stalling.
A foot of water meanwhile will cause a vehicle to float, while 2 feet of rushing water will carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.
Elsewhere in the state, flooding has closed Hwy. 61 in Wabasha County, while a mudslide was reported in northwestern Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids.
There's better news for those in Stillwater, where flooding from the St. Croix River hasn't reached any roads yet, aided by the fact that the old lift bridge is able to be raised permanently thanks to the construction of the new St. Croix River bridge.
