Full Breakdown
Torrential Rain Triggers Flooding and Mudslides Across Southern Minnesota
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Event Overview
Late Friday and early Saturday, a slow-moving storm system dumped record rainfall across south-central and southeast Minnesota. The National Weather Service logged more than 8 inches of rain near Spring Valley, over 7 inches at Lanesboro and Ellendale, and more than 6 inches near Caledonia, Preston, Chatfield and New Richland. The deluge caused creeks and rivers to overtop their banks, produced multiple mudslides, and inundated downtown streets in several communities.
Rainfall Totals and Affected Areas
- Spring Valley: 8.17 inches (National Weather Service)
- Lanesboro: 7.71 inches (National Weather Service)
- Preston: 6.95 inches (National Weather Service)
- Wykoff: 6.82 inches (National Weather Service)
- Fillmore County (overall): 6.67 inches; Chatfield: 6.63 inches; Mabel: 3 inches (National Weather Service)
Additional reports listed rainfall ranging from 1.36 inches at Dodge Center Airport to 8.29 inches in Houston, Minnesota. These measurements illustrate the storm’s breadth, affecting dozens of towns across Fillmore, Houston, Winona, Dodge, and Olmsted counties.
Road Closures and Emergency Response
Mayor Justin Mlinar of Spring Valley announced that all streets were closed at 6 a.m. Saturday, with some reopening by mid-morning as waters receded. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reported closures on State Highway 16 east of Lanesboro, State Highway 76 near Caledonia, and several county roads in Fillmore, Houston and Winona counties. MnDOT crews spent roughly nine hours clearing a 350-foot mudslide on Highway 16 west of Whalan, restoring traffic by late morning. The city of New Richland distributed sandbags, urged drivers to avoid flooded roads, and posted warnings about fines and possible jail time for illegal travel on closed routes. The Waseca County Sheriff’s Office released a list of additional local road closures.
Impact and Safety Outlook
No immediate injuries were reported. Flood warnings remain in effect for stretches of the Cedar and Root Rivers through the weekend, with minor river flooding expected from runoff. Residents are reminded of MnDOT’s flood-safety guidance, including the dangers of driving through six inches of water. The same communities experienced significant flash flooding earlier this year on July 2 and July 8.