NWS: 'Catastrophic Flooding' Possible In Central Minn.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The National Weather Service said "catastrophic flooding" is possible in central Minnesota Monday night and early Tuesday morning.
The NWS expects significant flooding in the Brainerd Lakes area, Aitkin County, Pine County and much of northwestern Wisconsin. They expect the Mississippi River in Aitkin County to see "a huge surge in water overnight."
Flood forecasts call for the river to crest at nearly 18 feet at 7 p.m. Tuesday. At 18 feet, water will inundate the Aitkin sewage plant, the NWS said. By 7 a.m., the river should hit 15 feet, according to forecasts.
The affected areas have already seen 6-8 inches of rain and storms are expected to continue overnight.
The NWS advised caution, especially when driving. They said just 6 inches of fast-moving water is enough to take a person down. Twelve inches is enough to move a small car and 18-24 inches can move an SUV, the NWS said.
