Minnesota Department of Transportation Shares Flood Images + Travel Tips
After a stormy Monday night through much of Minnesota and the region, the Minnesota Department of Transportation says that the turbulent weather is continuing to cause travel difficulties in parts of the state due to heavy rains and flooded roads.
While the Twin Ports was spared the worst of it, when compared to other areas, anyone with travel plans should be aware that road conditions can change quickly.
MnDot shared some of the challenging conditions Tuesday evening on their Facebook page:
Heavy rains and flooding are creating travel challenges across much of our state. In northern Minnesota, MnDOT crews completed an emergency grade raise on Hwy 11 near Rainy Lake over the Memorial Day weekend to keep the road open as long as possible for local traffic and businesses.
They also remind all motorists to check 511MN.org for latest road conditions or closures and never drive around barricades or into flooded areas.
In addition to checking 511MN.org, the Minnesota Department of Transportation also provided some helpful tips that everyone should keep in mind when there's flooding on Minnesota highways:
- Expect the unexpected – flash floods can occur anytime, anywhere.
- Do not drive around barricades or into flooded areas.
- 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.
- 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. If travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will also apply.