Officials warn that road conditions can change quickly, and roads may close or be restricted without warning as flooding is difficult to predict. Motorists must be aware of immediate road conditions at all times and watch for cones and barrels on the roadways as they indicate potential hazards.
Current known closures and areas of concern on state roads in central Minnesota include the following:
Closed highways and ramps
· Highway 4 just south of Stearns County Road 14, near Spring Hill, 13 miles south of Interstate 94 between Meire Grove and Lake Henry – closed due to a washout
· Highway 169 ramps to northbound Mille Lacs County Road 36, located south of Milaca – closed due to County Road 36 being closed north of Highway 169
· Highway 47 north of Malmo, near the northeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake – closed between Malmo and just north of Glen (milepost 106 to milepost 111)
Water on roadway, road remains open but may close
· Highway 23 at St. Francis River, 2.5 miles east of Foley and just east of Ronneby · Highway 23 near Foreston
· Highway 47 between Aitkin and Ogilvie – water on roadway in several locations · Highway 87 between Backus and Oshawa (milepost 71 to milepost 74)
Every flood is dangerous, and many county and local roads are also closed in central Minnesota. If you must travel, follow these safe driving practices:
– Expect the unexpected – flash floods can occur anytime, anywhere. – Do not drive around barricades or into flooded areas.
– If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely.
For additional updates, follow @MnDOTCentral on Twitter.