Flood waters have breached the
Rapidan Dam
in southern Minnesota, leading to an "imminent failure condition" Monday morning. Residents in low-lying areas of the
Minnesota
River Valley have been urged to monitor the situation and potentially evacuate. A flash flood warning is in effect for downstream areas until 4:30 p.m., per the National Weather Service.
The dam on the
Blue Earth River
began accumulating debris on Sunday, leading to its deterioration.
By Monday at 10:36 a.m., officials reported significant erosion on the west side of the dam, threatening its integrity. "The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office says debris started accumulating on Sunday at the 114-year-old dam, located about 10 miles southwest of Mankato, placing it 'in imminent failure condition,'" according to the National Weather Service.
County officials are closely monitoring debris and may close the County Road 33 Bridge and County Road 90 Bridge if necessary.
The situation is anticipated to cause the Minnesota River at Mankato to crest just below the major flood stage by Tuesday morning.
Le Sueur County's emergency management office is advising residents in the Minnesota River Valley to prepare for possible evacuation.
"The Blue Earth River begins in northern Iowa and meets with the river's west branch in Faribault County in southern Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency," providing context on the river's reach and potential impact.
Local efforts are intensifying as neighbors rush to safeguard their homes from rising waters, with concerns extending beyond immediate communities. Rain over the weekend has exacerbated flood threats across southern and northeastern Minnesota.
Authorities remain vigilant and are taking measures to manage the developing situation effectively.
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