Copious rains that spread across the state Thursday morning forced rivers and streams to overflow their banks washing out roadways and making other impassible.
With the threat of more rain yet tonight, the Minnesota Department of Transportation advises no unnecessary travel in areas of recent flooding in the Twin Cities Metro area.
As of mid afternoon here is a list of highways that remain closed:
• Highway 169 from Shakopee (4 miles south of Hwy 41) at 150th Street to County Road 19 south of Belle Plaine
• Highway 13 in Lilydale, closed between Wachtler Ave. and Sylvandale Rd. due to washout
Ramp/lane closures:
• Ramp from westbound I-494 to Nicollet is closed due to drainage problems
Statewide road closures can be found at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/flood/
A number of Minneapolis parkways are still under water, especially Minnehaha Parkway in the area of Cedar Avenue, so plan on using alternate routes.
Crews are out clearing mudslides and installing traffic control. Road conditions are changing quickly. Officials warn that roads may be closed or restricted without warning as flash flooding and mud slides are difficult to predict, MnDOT said.
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. Thus, officials say, don't drive through standing water.
When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.
