Heavy rain creates flash flooding in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin; evacuations and water rescues underway

Rebecca Omastiak

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Monday morning began with flash flooding in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

KSTP Chief Morning Meteorologist Ken Barlow said overnight storms dumped heavy rain, creating flooding conditions.

The National Weather Service, meanwhile, issued both a flash flood watch and warning early Monday morning. Those have since expired.

KSTP’s Severe Weather Guide

The area of Gerdine Path and 167th Street in Lakeville[Lakeville police, Twitter]

According to the NWS, a band of thunderstorms capable of producing "torrential rainfall" moved from west to east through parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The NWS reported those storms produced rainfall totals approaching 5 inches in some areas, with some area totals exceeding 8 inches.

Wisconsin officials said flash flooding made some roads impassable.

Police in Baldwin, Wisconsin, said parts of Highway 63 were dangerous and should not be used. The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office said at least five drivers standing on the roofs of their cars were rescued from rushing water on the highway earlier.

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Authorities said some water rescues and evacuations took place in the community, including the evacuation of at least eight families from houses near a creek in Baldwin who were taken to a nearby community center.

At one point, there were as many as 54 road closures in St. Croix County. Some roads continue to reamin clsed Monday night.

"I don’t think we have a clear picture of damage estimates yet. It will take a few days. We will continue to come across roads that are washed out," said St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson.

In the nearby Pierce County village of Ellsworth, officials say many culverts were overwhelmed by the heavy rain, causing localized flooding, including parts of Highway 10.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Transportation District 7 said the rain led to a mudslide on Highway 68 between New Ulm and Mankato, closing the road. MnDOT urged travelers to use Highway 14 as an alternate route until the road could be cleared.

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View photos and video of high water levels below:

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Phillip Jacobson captured the above video in Baldwin, Wisconsin.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.