Flood warning for Cottonwood, Minnesota Rivers at New Ulm

Sheriff warns residents to stay off rivers

BLUE EARTH, BROWN COUNTY -- The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office warned residents of dangerous conditions on and near area rivers Friday and told people to stay off them for the foreseeable future.

"The forecast for the rest of Friday and into Saturday will only make the river conditions worse. Deputies have already had to assist people with getting out of the water who have overturned their personal watercraft this spring," Sheriff Jeff Wersal said in a media release.

"Using the rivers for recreation during these high water conditions not only puts your life in danger, it puts the lives of first responders in danger," read the release.

The Blue Earth County Highway Dept. has closed several roads in the County. Deputies will enforce road closed restrictions. Road closure updates can be found at the Blue Earth County website and Facebook page.

A National Weather Service (NWS) flood warning for the Cottonwood River at New Ulm includes Flandrau State Park, where all trails have been closed.

The river is expected to rise to a crest of 19.5 feet Monday morning, which would approach the flood of record, 20.9 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet. Major flooding is forecast.

A flood warning for the Cottonwood River above Springfield is in effect until Friday, June 28. Flood stage is 22 feet. The river was measured at 23.8 feet at 9:30 a.m. Friday. It is forecast to rise to a crest of 30 feet early Sunday afternoon.

A flood warning for the Minnesota River at New Ulm remains in effect until further notice. The river was observed at 800.3 feet at 9:45 a.m. Friday. It is expected to rise to a crest of 802.5 feet Thursday morning.

A flood watch remains in effect through Saturday morning including Brown, Martin, Watonwan, Redwood, Renville and Yellow Medicine Counties.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) closed a number of highways at 8 a.m. Friday including westbound Interstate 90 from Worthington to Luverne and eastbound I-90 from Luverne to Adrian due to flooding. State Highway 13 south of Waseca was closed and has a temporary detour as does Highway 91 north of Adrian.

When a road is closed, it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or serve 90 days in jail. If travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

For real-time traffic and travel information, visit www.511.mn.org. Get the free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.