A strong area of low pressure moved northward across the upper midwest and combined with unseasonable early Spring gulf moisture to cause a large area of heavy rainfall. Local rainfall totals were in the two to three inch range before the system moved north of the region. Along with the heavy rainfall, and due to thick ice remaining on areal streams, creeks and rivers, ice jams developed and caused flooding of areal roadways and local communities.
Several major rivers continued to rise during this time period with caused additional road closures and some minor property damage. Specifically, the Long Prairie, Sauk and Minnesota Rivers were above flood stage through late March. The worse areas were along the Sauk River near Richmond, Cold Springs and western parts of St. Cloud.

Flood in STEARNS, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 13:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FAIRHAVEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Many roads in and around Fairhaven were under two to four feet of running water. County Emergency Managers and other local officials reported that several other county roads throughout the county had minor flooding due to the 2.5 to 3 inch of rainfall.
In addition, sandbagging continued to take place in communities along the Sauk River ��� Sauk Centre, Melrose, Cold Spring, Richmond, Waite Park.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation closed approximately 6 miles of State Highway 22 north of Richmond, from County Road 43 to Highway 23 until further notice because of water over the road from the Chain of Lakes and the Sauk River.
On March 31, after flood waters receded, county officials reported minor road damage throughout the county, with some minor home damage in Twin Lakes.

Heavy Rain in MORRISON, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 17:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILLMAN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A local spotter reported over two inches of rain in a short period of time.

Heavy Rain in WRIGHT, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 19:19:00 to 23-MAR-09 19:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAPLE LAKE MUNI ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A local spotter reported over two inches of rainfall in a short period of time.

Flood in POPE, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 09:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW PRAIRIE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The combination of rapid snowmelt and heavy rainfall during the morning, caused minor flooding across western Pope County where several township roads south of County Road 24, and north of Starbuck were closed.

Flood in CHIPPEWA, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 09:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MILAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Township road washed out near Milan. Dry Weather Creek, north of Montevideo running very high.

Flood in KANDIYOHI, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 09:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILLMAR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Some roads partially covered in Willmar. Some low lying township roads north of Willmar covered with water.

Flood in LAC QUI PARLE, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 09:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARIETTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Three township roads were closed due to flooding. In addition to the flooding, several roads and bridges needed repairs with county official estimating $250,000 in damages. This estimate was reported on March 29th.

Flood in TODD, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 15:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LONG PRAIRIE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several reports of flooding along the Long Prairie River as the river began to crest, with one road partially closed due to flood waters.

Flood in STEVENS, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 15:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALBERTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Snow Melt
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Due to rapid snow melt and locally heavy rainfall, several roads were closed due to flood waters.

Flood in SWIFT, MINNESOTA
From 23-MAR-09 09:00:00 to 23-MAR-09 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENSON
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An ice jam and debris was up against the railroad bridge over Chippewa River in the northwest side of Benson. Water was over a few township roads south and southwest of Benson.