Flooding Continues in Northern Minnesota

Aitkin County

A flood warning is still in effect in the Aitkin area, according to the National Weather Service.

The message affects the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the town.

The river had risen to 12.4 feet as of 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The NWS report says flood stage will be reached at 13 feet.

While only moderate flooding is expected at this point, the water level is predicted to rise above the flood stage by late Tuesday morning. The NWS predicts water levels will reach 17 feet by Wednesday evening, putting the Aitkin Sewage Treatment Plant in the way of rising water.

Pumping will begin at the plant once water reaches the 17 foot mark. In addition, sandbagging will occur at the Aitkin city transformer.

Aitkin Public Utilities is asking for locals to conserve as much water as possible in order to help the plant.

Crow Wing County

A flood warning is also in affect for the area of the Mississippi River near Fort Ripley.

The National Weather Service says soil runoff has caused water in that area to rise. As a result, the river is expected to rise above a flood stage of 10 feet by early Wednesday morning.

These conditions will affect both Morrison and Crow Wing counties.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, water in the Fort Ripley area had reached 8.7 feet.

The river is expected to reach 13 feet by Friday afternoon, but the NWS says the boat landing and public access in Fort Ripley will likely be underwater  at 12 feet.