FEMA teams to assess damage across Minnesota as major rivers expected to crest over weekend
MINNEAPOLIS — As major rivers in Minnesota continue to rise into the weekend, Gov. Tim Walz and a top official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided an update on the flooding outlook Friday.
FEMA Regional Manager Tom Sivak said that recovery would be a long road, but the agency has already deployed staff members to the area in order to assess the damage. In the coming days, teams — dressed in FEMA uniforms — will be going door-to-door to conduct assessments. They will not ask for personal information from residents, Sivak noted.
He asked residents, in the meantime, to take photos of the damage and reach out to insurance as soon as possible.
Walz added that the executive council approved a peacetime emergency extension for the next 30 days and has submitted a federal disaster declaration, though assessments are still incoming. The threshold numbers are being met "quite easily" Walz said, because of the widespread damage.
Some highways reopen
Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said that some state highways have reopened, including Highways 15, 30, and 75 in south-central Minnesota, and Highway 14 near Lamberton.
Highway 169 between Mankato and St. Peter has also reopened, though it remains closed between Mankato and Le Sueur.
Major rivers expected to crest over the weekend
The Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers are expected to crest over the weekend.
St. Paul declared a state of emergency and has closed off several roads with the Mississippi being in a major flood stage until early next week. The river should crest Saturday afternoon before gradually dropping below flood stage by next week — the first time in nearly two weeks.
In Washington County, leaders declared a state of emergency that extends across communities along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. Those leaders will be holding an emergency meeting Friday afternoon.
Stillwater has already canceled its Fourth of July fireworks and closed the historic lift bridge due to St. Croix River flooding. That river is expected to reach major flood stage on Sunday before cresting at 88 feet.
The Minnesota River is expected to rise at least a couple more feet before cresting Saturday afternoon. Several roads in the southwest metro have been closed due to flooding.
National Weather Service Meteorologist In Charge Dan Hawblitzel said that even though Minnesota saw additional rain on Friday morning, they're not expecting any major impacts. The dry weekend ahead will allow the floodwaters recede, he added.
Valleyfair cancels Fourth of July fireworks due to flooding
Valleyfair in Shakopee is canceling its Fourth of July fireworks show due to flooding impacts.
On Friday, the fair announced the fireworks cancellation and a temporary revision of its daily operating hours due to flooding from the Minnesota River.
Fireworks will be rescheduled for later in the summer.
Flooding also forced the fair to temporarily close three of its rides in a flood zone: Excalibur, Thunder Canyon and Renegade.
Chaska purposefully floods baseball field
Also due to the Minnesota River, leaders in Chaska purposefully flooded a baseball field to protect the city's downtown area.
What once was home to the Chaska Cubs, the town's amateur baseball team, is now an extension of the River. The park will remain closed until water levels recede.
Blue Earth River continues to erode land around Rapidan Dam
Eyes across the nation have been fixed on the Rapidan Dam near Mankato, especially after a family's home tumbled into the river Tuesday night.
The Blue Earth River has carved out a big chunk of land dangerously close to the business run by the family who lost their home. Officials fear the Rapidan Dam Store could be the next to fall into the river.