Mississippi, Minnesota, and Missouri rivers expected to hit highest levels in a decade

Massive flooding is impacting nearly half of Minnesota as of Thursday morning, June 27, 2024, with more than 20 river gauges across the Upper Midwest hitting major flood stage. With more rain expected, water levels on the Minnesota, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers are expected to see their highest levels in a decade.

As of Thursday morning, June 27, 2024, massive flooding is affecting nearly half of Minnesota. Across the Upper Midwest, more than 20 river gauges have reached major flood stage, with further rainfall expected in the already inundated areas.

Water levels on the Minnesota, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers are predicted to reach their highest levels in at least a decade in the days ahead.

On Wednesday, June 26, officials in Saint Paul declared a state of emergency as the city prepared for significant flooding from the Mississippi River, anticipated to rise several more feet by the weekend.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has urged affected residents to retain their receipts to expedite financial aid as property damage continues to escalate. “Right now, we are in the assessment phase,” Walz stated. “Until some of the water recedes, we won’t have the full picture of that.”

On June 24, the rapid rise of the Blue Earth River led to the partial collapse of the 114-year-old Rapidan Dam, located 138 km (86 miles) southeast of Saint Paul. By June 25, the river had expanded enough to engulf most of an iconic home situated on a nearby embankment:

References:

¹ Nearly half of Minnesota under “unprecedented” flooding, and some rivers are at or above record levels – CBC – June 27, 2024

² Iconic home near partially collapsed Rapidan Dam falls into Blue Earth River, Minnesota – The Watchers – June 27, 2024

Featured image credit: USGS Dakota Water Science Center