Three locks and dams on the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities area were closed Tuesday to recreational boats and small watercraft. Also, ice continues to block Lake Pepin on the Mississippi at Lake City. No traffic has made it past Winona yet, making this year the latest arrival of an interstate tow in St. Paul in the past 30 years. The Corps also says that locks at Welch and Alma, Wis., might have to be closed due to rising water. The water was five feet below flood stage late Tuesday, prior to the overnight rain and the rain forecast to come Wednesday and Thursday.
Evacuations are possible.
St. Paul Flood Update Holman field in downtown St. Paul was officially closed Wednesday morning. Helicopters and airplanes that use the field have all been moved to higher ground as sandbag and earthen dikes have been erected around the field. In Henderson, the river is expected to crest April 19 at 9.5 feet above flood stage. In Jordan, the crest is expected on April 20 at 17 feet above flood stage. In Shakopee, the Minnesota River crest is expected April 21 at 17 feet above flood stage.