A one in 500 year rainfall hit northeast Minnesota and far northwestern Wisconsin June 19th and 20th.  An east to west front stalled just south of the area, across southern Minnesota and central Wisconsin early on June 19th:  There was high humidity and record-breaking heat to the south of the front.  Low pressure moving along the front reached southern Minnesota during the pre-dawn hours of June 20th.  The low forced the warm humid air up over relatively cool air over northeast Minnesota, resulting in an area of strong thunderstorms with copious amounts of moisture and rain. The resulting June 19th and 20th rainfall amounts formed a sharp gradient along its southern boundary.  Two inches or more rain fell north of a line from Little Falls through Mille Lacs Lake to Willow River and Bruno in Pine County and just south of Superior WI.  Immediately north of that line, rainfall was over 4 inches in a 70 mile wide and at least 250 mile long band from southern Cass and Crow Wing counties east-northeastward along and south of the crest of the Iron Range, including the entire Duluth area, through the North Shore and the open waters of Lake Superior.  More than a half foot fell across Carlton County, the southern quarter of St Louis County and the southern tip of Lake County.  Rainfalls were 10 inches or more, according to the final MN Dept of Natural Resources map, in a 10 mile wide band along the Lake Superior shore including all of the residential Duluth area northeastward, for 75 miles, through the Two Harbors area.  Another area with 10 inches or more of rain was to the west in a 15 mile wide band from central Carlton County running north for 50 miles, just east of Floodwood, and to the southern edge of the Iron Range.  The rainfall resulted in widespread flooding and record-breaking stream and river levels.  Most of the rain fell during a 12 hour period from the evening of the 19th through the early morning of of June 20th.  The northern edge of heavy rain, with two inches of rain, extended from Cass Lake east-northeast through Hibbing and Embarrass to Ely, then straight northward, with all of Lake and Cook Counties receiving well over 2 inches of rain.  The huge thunderstorm complex also produced areas of hail and locally damaging wind.
A Governor's Execute Order declaring a state of emergency was announced for Cook, Lake, St. Louis, and Aitkin counties. The National Guard was activated.
Numerous roads and bridges were washed out from the deluge of rain from Carlton County through the Duluth area and along the north shore of Lake Superior.
A raging Kingsbury Creek flooded the Lake Superior Zoo, drowning many animals. Two seals were swept from their enclosures, but were returned safely after being found on a local street. The polar bear escaped its exhibit, but was safely returned after being tranquilized.
An 8 year-old boy was pulled into a culvert while playing in the flood waters in Proctor. He was swept through the culvert for six blocks, but besides some scrapes, was unharmed.
Much of the towns of Thomson, Carlton, Barnum and Moose Lake in Carlton County and the Fon du Lac neighborhood of Duluth were flooded due to the over topping of water at the Thomas Dam spillway and Reservoir.  Highway 210 through Jay Cooke State Park was washed away as was the park's historic swinging pedestrian bridge over the St. Louis River. The park was closed through the rest of the summer and likely into 2013.
Big Sandy Lake in Aitkin County flooded hundreds of properties. The lake is connected to the Mississippi River by a dam, but the Army Corps of Engineers could not let any of the lake water out due to the river levels being too high. That area hadn't seen such severe flooding since 1950.
A Presidential Disaster Declaration was proclaimed for Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Lake, Pine, and St. Louis counties as well as the Fon du Lac band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Total damage for the entire area of northeast Minnesota was estimated at least $108 million.

Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 21-JUN-12 07:19:00 to 21-JUN-12 07:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEQUAYWAN LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The Little Cloquet River rose rapidly and was at the base of the bridge over Pequaywan Lake Road.  The river rose about a foot in 12 hours.

High Wind in SOUTHERN ST. LOUIS / CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 23:50:00 to 19-JUN-12 23:55:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The wind was measured at Blatnik Bridge, near Pier 20, in Duluth.

Flash Flood in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 16:43:00 to 19-JUN-12 16:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENNETT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Low -lying areas and curb to curb road flooding occurred.

Flash Flood in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 16:45:00 to 19-JUN-12 16:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RAPIDS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Many roads are flooded and impassable in town.

Flash Flood in ITASCA, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 16:54:00 to 19-JUN-12 16:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND RAPIDS ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

The downtown area was flooded where 4 to 6 inches of water covered roadways.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 18:45:00 to 19-JUN-12 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Arrowhead Road, between Haines and Arlington roads, was flooded.

Flash Flood in CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 10:35:00 to 20-JUN-12 10:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESKO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

In Midway Township, the Midway River nearly washed out the bridge at Midway Road.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 10:35:00 to 20-JUN-12 10:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Roadways were completely under water at Pacific Avenue and Exeter Street.

Flash Flood in CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 10:56:00 to 20-JUN-12 10:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: HARNEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

The bridge in North Cloquet, at Midway River was washed out. Local railroads were no longer usable.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 13:50:00 to 20-JUN-12 13:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: FOND DU LAC
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Much of Ridge Road was washed out due to St. Louis River flooding.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 18:56:00 to 19-JUN-12 18:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Two inches of water covered Superior Street in downtown Duluth.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 18:57:00 to 19-JUN-12 18:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUNTERS PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Deepening water covered roadways around Woodland and St Marie Avenues.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 19:00:00 to 19-JUN-12 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HERMANTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Water covered the eastbound lane at Highway 194 and US Highway 53.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 19:27:00 to 19-JUN-12 19:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

The first southbound tunnel on Interstate 35 in Duluth was flooded and impassable.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 19:32:00 to 19-JUN-12 19:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Brewer Creek overflowed onto 3rd Street between 6th Avenue East and 7th Avenue East. There are 4 inches of water on the roadway and considerable debris.

Flash Flood in LAKE, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 19:00:00 to 20-JUN-12 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: KNIFE RIVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.90M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Six to 10 inches of rain fell overnight on the 19th and during the following day, resulting in stream and river flooding. Many driveways were washed out. The Knife River flooded Highway 61 and resulted in evacuations in the town of Knife River. Other smaller state and county roads were washed out.  Water was flowing across Highway 61 on the northeast end of Two Harbors.

Flash Flood in CROW WING, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 20:23:00 to 19-JUN-12 20:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRAINERD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Water was over the road at Washington Street.  Other roads in the area were also flooded.

Flash Flood in LAKE, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 20:23:00 to 20-JUN-12 20:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: HIGEN CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 191.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

There was six inches of water over Highway 61 at the junction with Highway 1 due to the flooding of the west branch of the Baptism River. There was also significant flooding of the golf course at Beaver bay and of Rockwood Road at Silver Bay, due to flooding of the Beaver River and Palisade River, respectively.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 23:24:00 to 19-JUN-12 23:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: HERMANTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Water covered a large area of road at Highway 53 and Maple Grove Road making that area impassable and flooding many businesses due to the flooding from Miller Creek and urbanization.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 01:26:00 to 20-JUN-12 01:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous roads were washed out and flooded throughout Duluth. This flooding included several large sink holes and collapsed roads. There were large numbers of high-water rescues and evacuations across the city.

Flood in PINE, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 17:00:00 to 25-JUN-12 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRIESLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Kettle River crested at a record-breaking stage of 18.0 feet from 11:00 PM CST on June 21st through 5:00 AM CST on June 22nd.  The Kettle River returned to a 10 foot stage on June 25th at noon CST.

Flood in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 09:00:00 to 30-JUN-12 05:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LONGVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous roads were washed out due to flooding of streams due to heavy rain of 3 to 5 inches that fell June 19th and 20th. The worse area was from Longville to Remer and points east.

Flash Flood in COOK, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 04:00:00 to 20-JUN-12 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: TACONITE HARBOR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 61.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Three to five inches of rain in less that 24 hours lead to road damage as many small streams flooded.

Flood in CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 21:00:00 to 28-JUN-12 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOOSE LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 16.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Moose Head Lake in Moose Lake overflowed its banks after the area received 6 to 8 inches of rain, flooding 30 percent of the town. One hundred and fifty homes were flooded. The schools were flooded. The town's water and sewer system were compromised.

Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 21-JUN-12 07:19:00 to 21-JUN-12 07:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEQUAYWAN LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Fox Farm Road was washed out near the intersection of Pequaywan Lake Road. It was also washed out two miles east of that intersection.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 05:30:00 to 20-JUN-12 05:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAGINAW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

The White Pine River flooded onto Highway 33, with three feet of water covering the roadway.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 06:15:00 to 20-JUN-12 06:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HERMANTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Maple Grove Road, about a mile east of Midway Road, was under at least three feet of water from the flooded Midway River.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 06:26:00 to 21-JUN-12 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MISSABE JCT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Deep water covered the road at 57th Avenue West from the flooded Keene Creek. Irving Park was completely under water and many homes in the Irving Park area were flooded.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 04:34:00 to 21-JUN-12 05:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DULUTH INTL ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Martin Road, between Lavaque Road and Rice Lake Road, was under water due to flooding of Miller Creek.  Downstream, the Miller Creek flooded many businesses in the Mall area, including Target a large restaurant and parts of the Miller Hill Mall. The mall was closed for two days.

Flash Flood in CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 07:00:00 to 20-JUN-12 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESKO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Jay Cooke State Park was evacuated due to severe flooding  of the St. Louis River.
Highway 210 through the park was heavily damage. The historic swinging pedestrian bridge was washed away. Miles of hiking and biking trails were damaged.

Flash Flood in CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 07:00:00 to 25-JUN-12 07:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESKO
Flood cause: Dam / Levee Break
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The reservoir at the City of Thomson overflowed and Carlton County Emergency Management ordered the evacuation of Thomson. Most of the town was flooded. The water remained for many days. Many homes were lost or severely damaged.

Flash Flood in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 17:23:00 to 20-JUN-12 17:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLOODWOOD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The St. Louis River and Floodwood River flooded many streets in Floodwood. Law Enforcement ordered the evacuation of several houses on 4th and 5th Avenues.

Flash Flood in CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 17:24:00 to 20-JUN-12 17:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARLTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

The center of town was under 1.5 to 2 feet of water due to the flooding of the St. Louis River.

Flood in AITKIN, MINNESOTA
From 17-JUN-12 23:00:00 to 30-JUN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: AITKIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flooding began at 1100 PM CST, June 17th as the Mississippi River rose to the flood stage of 12 feet.  The river crested at 18.72 feet at 600 PM CST on June 29th, and ended the month above flood stage at 18.42 feet.

Flood in CROW WING, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 05:00:00 to 30-JUN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: (BRD)WEILAND FLD BRA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Mississippi River, at Brainerd, rose to its flood stage of 13 feet at 500 AM CST on June 20th, rising to a record-breaking crest of 17.61 feet at 11:30 AM CST on June 28th.  The Mississippi River ended the month at 17.48 feet, which was well above flood stage and also nearly a foot above the previous record stage.

Flood in CROW WING, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 23:00:00 to 30-JUN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: CROW WING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 634.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Mississippi River at Fort Ripley rose to its 10 foot flood stage at 11:00 PM CST June 19th.  The Mississippi River crested at 12.42 feet at 8:00 AM CST on June 25th.  The river remained at 11.68 feet, above flood stage, through the end of June.  As a result of the Mississippi River flooding, many tributaries became backed up and flooded.  Parts of Crow Wing State Park were flooded, included the picnic areas, trails and the boat landing. The boat landing was reopened on July 24th.  The Black Bear and Miller Lakes neighborhoods was flooded. Numerous roads and bridges were damaged across Crow Wing County.

Flood in AITKIN, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 08:00:00 to 30-JUN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: LIBBY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The gage at Big Sandy Lake reached its flood stage of 1218.30 feet ASL at 8:00 AM CST on June 20th.  The lake crested at 1222.93 feet ASL at 1100 PM CST on June 26th.  Big Sandy Lake remained above flood stage, at 1222.73 feet ASL at the end of June.

Flood in CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 20-JUN-12 01:30:00 to 28-JUN-12 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARLTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flooding of the St Louis River began at the Scanlon gage at 1:30 AM CST on June 20th when it reached a level of 10.50 feet.  The St Louis River reached a record-breaking crest of 16.66 feet at 3 am CST on June 21.  The St Louis River returned below its flood stage of 10.50 feet on June 28th at 10:00 AM CST. Businesses and a campground near the river were flooded.

Thunderstorm Wind in AITKIN, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 13:20:00 to 19-JUN-12 13:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: PALISADE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several large trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in AITKIN, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 13:20:00 to 19-JUN-12 13:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: MINNEWAWA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A twelve-inch diameter tree was blown down.

Hail in CASS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 12:18:00 to 19-JUN-12 12:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: PINE RIVER
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in CARLTON, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 19:18:00 to 19-JUN-12 19:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: KETTLE RIVER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

An 8 inch diameter tree was uprooted and a 6 inch diameter tree was snapped off three feet above the ground.

Hail in CROW WING, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 12:36:00 to 19-JUN-12 12:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: FIFTY LAKES
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in CROW WING, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 12:30:00 to 19-JUN-12 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MANHATTAN BEACH
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in CROW WING, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 12:30:00 to 19-JUN-12 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CROSS LAKE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Large trees were blown down along West Shore Road.

Hail in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 14:42:00 to 19-JUN-12 14:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUNTERS PARK
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in LAKE, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 16:59:00 to 19-JUN-12 16:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: SILVER BAY
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in LAKE, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 16:58:00 to 19-JUN-12 16:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: SILVER BAY
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. LOUIS, MINNESOTA
From 19-JUN-12 18:59:00 to 19-JUN-12 18:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: HERMANTOWN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

A ten-inch diameter tree blew over and brought down a power line.