Extent Of Weekend Flooding In S. Minnesota Second-Largest On Record - Star Tribune

[hatrack]

Last weekend's flood appears to be the state's second largest in area. About 14,000 square miles of southern Minnesota received at least 4 inches of rain, second to the storm of June 9-10, 2002, according to initial "back of the envelope" calculations by the Star Tribune and Assistant State Climatologist Greg Spoden.

The 2002 storm dropped 4 inches or more of rain over 15,000 square miles of northwestern Minnesota.

Both easily top what history has called the "granddaddy of flash floods," a July 1972 pummeling centered on Little Falls. That covered 6,800 miles with at least 4 inches of rain.

EDIT

The state Department of Natural Resources is warning boaters, canoeists and kayakers to stay off affected rivers in southeastern Minnesota. "Fast currents and debris in the water and along river banks are making conditions hazardous for paddlers," said DNR boating safety specialist Tim Smalley. "Debris hidden along stream banks and just under the surface can capsize a canoe or kayak and then the fast current can pin a victim under water."

EDIT

Ed. - Re. the river warning . . . Uh . . . YEAH! Good idea! :eyes:

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1378077.html