Flooding Apparently Breaks Gas Line In New Ulm
NEW ULM, Minn. (AP) -- High water and debris in the Cottonwood River apparently broke a natural gas line in New Ulm, and more than two dozen homes lost service.
The New Ulm Journal reports that residents smelled gas and saw bubbles in the river Saturday afternoon. But there were no fires or explosions, and state emergency officials say the local utility quickly shut off the gas. Service was later restored with a temporary gas line.
The Cottonwood was already receding from a crest Thursday, which led to the flooding of a low-lying street. The much-larger Minnesota River was close to cresting Sunday, and state officials say it hasn't caused any major disruptions so far. The Minnesota is expected to crest about 6 feet below the top of the temporary berm near downtown New UIm.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)