Officials Issue Updated Minn. Flood Forecast

ST. PAUL (AP) - Communities along the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers are facing the threat of significant flooding this spring.

The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities issued its spring flood outlook Thursday. It says the Mississippi River is likely to flood low-lying parts of downtown St. Paul, which could close Shepard and Warner Roads. It's also likely that floodwaters will encroach on key highway crossings over the Minnesota River in the Twin Cities metro area, including crossings in Chaska and Shakopee and possibly Interstate 35W. The Stillwater lift bridge may have to close.

The forecast says flooding is also likely upstream on the Minnesota, including at Montevideo and
Granite Falls.

Officials say people living in those areas should know the risks and start planning now.