Heavy Rainfall Floods Midwest, Closing Schools, Roads

ByCATHERINE THORBECKE ABCNews logo
Friday, September 23, 2016

Heavy rainfall across the Midwest has caused flash flooding around the region, closing some schools and major roadways this morning.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency in 13 counties as a result of the flooding.

In neighboring Minnesota, up to 14 inches of rain fell overnight on the town of Waseca in the southern part of the state. The Waseca County Sheriff's Office advised in a Facebook post against any unnecessary travel this morning until flooding subsides on the roadways. Waseca County's public schools will remain closed today for the second day in a row, school officials announced.

In Steele County, Minnesota, a temporary state of emergency was declared as many major roadways were closed. The county's emergency management officials also reminded the public that it is illegal to move or drive around barricades on closed roads.

In parts of Minnesota, snow plows were called in to clear water off roadways, including Interstate 94.

So far this year, more than 30 inches of rain has fallen on Minneapolis, making it the wettest year since modern recordkeeping began.

Ames, Iowa, also received heavy rainfall overnight, resulting in some flash flooding around the city.

ABC News Max Golembo contributed to this report

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