A New Flood Watch Has Now Been Issued In Northern Minnesota

Spring has sprung, which means warmer temperatures, the arrival of robins, red-winged blackbirds, and eastern bluebirds, and blooming flowers.

However, for parts of Minnesota, spring also means an increased chance of flooding due to the rapid melting of a deep winter snowpack, combined with heavy seasonal rainfall.

Recently, flooding forced the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to close parts of Gooseberry Falls State Park, located on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Unfortunately, this week is off to a rainy start, and Minnesota's North Shore remains at risk for flooding, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an official Flood Watch.

Flood Watch Issued In Northern Minnesota

On April 27, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for Cook and Lake Counties, including the Tribal Lands of the Grand Portage Reservation. This also includes the Boundary Waters eastern and central areas.

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That's because an additional three-quarters to one and one-half inches of rain is expected to fall Monday afternoon into the night.

Eastern Cook County also has several inches of lingering snowpack, and while rainfall rates are not expected to be heavy, prolonged moderate rainfall on top of saturated soils will lead to runoff.

The National Weather Service notes that area rivers and streams are already running at elevated levels, and they could rise to minor flooding levels with the additional rainfall.

Here is the official Flood Watch, which remains in effect until late Monday night:

• What: Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible.
• Where: In Minnesota, Cook and Lake Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Grand Portage Reservation. This also includes the Boundary Waters eastern and central areas.
• Impacts: Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Be mindful of cold, fast-moving water near rivers and streams.

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Unfortunately for Northern Minnesota, even when there is a break in the rain, it won't feel a lot like spring. The National Weather Service provided its weather outlook for May, which includes below average temperations, which could fall below freezing.