RIVER FLOOD UPDATE

River flood warnings continue for the Cottonwood River at New Ulm and above Springfield.  In New Ulm, as of 11 this (Wednesday) morning, the stage was 12.1 feet and continuing to rise.  The river is expected to rise to a crest of 12.3 feet this evening and then fall below flood stage Saturday morning.  Flood stage is 11 feet.  When the river reaches 13.1 feet, it starts to impact Cottonwood Street, which at this point, is still open.  The Cottonwood River above Springfield measured 23.4 feet at 10:30 this (Wednesday) morning and it also is continuing to rise.  It is expected to rise to a crest of 23.7 feet this evening and then fall below flood stage Friday morning.  Flood stage is 22 feet. A flood warning is also in effect for the Minnesota River at New Ulm.  At 10:45 Wednesday morning, the stage was 799.7 feet and is expected to rise to above flood stage just after midnight tonight (Wednesday) to a crest of 800.5 feet Friday morning.  It is forecast to fall below flood stage early Saturday afternoon.  Flood stage for the Minnesota River at New Ulm is 800 feet.  Remember, don’t try to drive through flooded areas.  Turn around, don’t drown.