Flooding in NE Minnesota Causes Evacuations, Closures

DULUTH  (AP) - Major flooding in northeastern Minnesota has closed roads, Duluth city hall and a university campus and has authorities recommending emergency travel only.

Steady, torrential rain has closed Interstate 35 and downtown tunnels in Duluth. Police say numerous sinkholes and washouts have made travel dangerous. Residents of the Fond du Lac neighborhood in Duluth are being asked to leave their homes because of the rising St. Louis River.

Firefighters and police officers helped the Lake Superior Zoo staff track down animals that were unaccounted for, including a seal. Authorities say there's no evidence any of the animals left the zoo grounds in Duluth.

The University of Minnesota Duluth campus closed Wednesday because of the flooding. The Carlton County Sheriff's Department also recommended against traveling, except for emergencies.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)