Rochester And Neighboring Areas Hit by More Flooding
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A week after torrential rains cause major flooding in and near Rochester, another round of heavy rain is causing flooding in many of the same areas.
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for Olmsted and Dodge counties late last night and has now posted flood warnings for portions of both counties along with an area of southern Goodhue County. Preliminary reports indicate close to 7 inches of rain fell over several hours in the Byron and Kasson areas, while there was a report of 3.75 in just southwest 8of Rochester and 3.8 inches in the Claremont area. The Rochester Airport recorded just over an inch of rain but the totals to the west were similar to those reported on July 5, 1978, when Rochester was devastated by record flooding along the Zumbro River and its tributaries.
The water levels this morning remain high enough to flood a number of roadways, including a portion of West River Parkway in Rochester. The branch of the Zumbro River that runs through Oxbow Park rose over 4 feet above flood stage early Saturday, while the Zumbro River in northwest Rochester is expected to crest nearly 2 1/2 feet over flood stage. The City of Rochester has announced that the entire city bike path and trail system is closed due to the high water. The Olmsted County Public Works Department has also announced the closing of Oxbow Park due to flooding