Roadways affected by floodwaters remain blocked to traffic across Minnesota

Some of the flood-swollen rivers in the state are getting close to cresting as across Minnesota, waters are receding. But that doesn’t mean it’s fine to drive through standing water.

Governor Tim Walz held a press conference on the flooding on Monday and addressed driving past barriers, noting that it is not only against the law but there could be danger ahead in several ways.

“This event is still ongoing. This water is not safe. It’s contaminated, whether it be through sewage or other contaminants. The health issue in this is still a real concern.”

National Weather Service chief forecaster Dan Hawblitzel also addressed the standing water, noting that the issues don’t appear to be clearing up soon.

“Turn around if you approach floodwaters because some of them will continue to go up through the week,” Hawblitzel said. “And that’s assuming no additional rainfall, which, unfortunately, I cannot promise.”

There is a chance of rain later this week, but the predicted rainfall won’t be near as much as we’ve seen in the past week.

The governor has activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist in the flood response.

The guard’s Major General Shawn Manke says the first group arrived in Waterville early today to help in the pumping operation, which will continue 24-7.

“Our Guard members are trained and prepared to deploy on short order,” Manke said. “We can provide essential resources such as high water vehicles, helicopter support, and engineering assets to help respond to these flood emergencies.”

Minnesota Department of Transportation crews are already inspecting roadways and bridges, looking for potential damage from the mass amounts of flooding that has hit the state.

Once the flood water recedes and damage is assessed, local governments will find out what kind of assistance is available for recovery. For places that don’t reach the threshold for federal assistance, there is the Disaster Assistance Contingency account.

That account currently sits at $26 million and will rise to $50 million by the end of the summer.

Walz says he will meet with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith as early as tomorrow to begin assessing flood damage.