The cities of Minneapolis and surrounding areas continue to grapple with nature's insistent deluge, as the National Weather Service (NWS) Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN cautions of a hazardous week ahead. Minneapolis, nestled by the banks of the Mississippi, faces a mixed bag of sunshine and storm clouds, tempering each pleasant forecast with the threat of storms and torrential rainfall.
Today, residents can expect a partly sunny sky with the potential for abrupt gusts reaching up to 30 mph, as reported by NWS. However, this tempered balance of sun and cloud will sway towards more menacing weather conditions as showers and possibly a thunderstorm are predicted to set upon the city after 11 pm tonight. The following days up until Independence Day, keep the possibility of showers and thunderstorms in play, with some forecasts suggesting new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch.
In the midst of this stands communities along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, where the swollen banks speak to a narrative of persistent overflow. Giving context to this unfolding story, the NWS has issued a series of flood warnings with major flood stage forecasts for rivers including the Crow River at Rockford and again at Delano, along with a particularly critical situation at the Minnesota River at Savage. According to NWS statements, the Minnesota River at Savage has not only met but surpassed major flooding thresholds, emphasizing the vital message of caution and alertness among local populations. "Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast," reads the stark warning from the NWS, pointing to a river stage that is expected to remain significantly elevated.
The NWS has also clearly stated that precautions must be taken with utmost seriousness, insisting that encountering flooded roads should mark an immediate turnaround, not an exploration of depth or passability. Flooded areas are a no-go, with the news reiterating that barricades or submerged roads should not be surged by vehicular courage. Such wisdom comes from a place of bitter experiences, historical data noting that such incidents accrue the most flood-related fatalities.
As Independence Day nears, the weather outlook does hold promise for intermittent spells of sunny skies, but a sobering notion of showers and thunderstorms loom on the horizon, collecting a charge to once again disrupt festivities and plans. Minnesotans, while seasoned in the dance with the elements, will be well advised to stay informed and follow the directives of local authorities and NWS advisories. With breaks of sunshine, residents might sometimes find reprieve from the rain, but a weather-wary eye must remain open.
