NEW ULM — The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood warnings for the Cottonwood River at New Ulm and above Springfield Monday.

The river forecast is based on observed precipitation of 2 to 3 inches over the past 48 hours. Heavy rain could cause river levels to rise even higher than predicted.

The river was observed at 9.68 feet Monday noon. Flood stage is 11 feet. The river was forecast to reach 11.5 feet on Wednesday, May 20 and remain above minor flood stage until May 22.

Flood waters begin to impact low-lying areas including some roads along the river.

The Cottonwood River above Springfield was measured at 20.5 feet at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Flood stage is 22 feet.

The river is forecast to rise above flood stage by Monday night and rise to near 23.3 feet by early Tuesday afternoon. It is forecast to fall below flood stage before midnight Wednesday.

The NWS will monitor this developing situation, issuing followup statements as conditions or forecasts change.

The public is urged not to drive through flooded areas.

For more information, visit https://water.weather.gov/.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.