FLOOD WARNINGS, NEW ULM OFFICIALS WATCHING COTTONWOOD STREET

A river-flood warning is now in effect for the Cottonwood River at New Ulm.  As of 10 this (Tuesday) morning, the stage was at 10.6 feet.  The river is expected to rise above flood stage to a crest of 14 feet Thursday morning.  The flood stage is 11 feet.  New Ulm officials are monitoring Cottonwood Street.  If the river reaches flood stage, Cottonwood Street will be closed until water recedes, possibly sometime Wednesday.    The Cottonwood River above Springfield was measured at 22.5 feet as of 9:30 Tuesday morning.  The river is expected to rise to a crest of 25.7 feet Wednesday evening.  Flood stage is 22 feet.  It is forecast to fall below flood stage early Saturday morning.   As for the Minnesota River at New Ulm, it measured at 798.3 feet at 9:45 this (Tuesday) morning and is expected to rise above flood stage late Wednesday morning to a crest of 801.3 feet Friday evening.  Flood stage for the Minnesota River is 800 feet.