ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says early planning will be the key to successfully combat expected widespread flooding this spring.

Dayton spoke Wednesday in South St. Paul, at a meeting that included municipal, law enforcement and emergency officials from several cities.

Dayton and state emergency manager Kris Eide say it's too early to tell how last weekend's heavy snow will affect the flood threat across southern Minnesota, but they say it has them concerned.

Wednesday's meeting was one of several that authorities are having in communities across the state as they get a head start on preparations for what is expected to be a serious flood season.

A snowy winter has officials on guard for flooding along the Mississippi River and other major Minnesota waterways.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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