Intense Rain Floods Streets, Closes Interstate in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Heavy rain has flooded streets and highways in southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin, challenging motorists to find new routes to their destinations.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation closed U.S. Highway 12 in both directions southeast of Eau Claire Wednesday morning where an observer reported 6 inches of rain. The flooding is expected to recede throughout the day.

The intense rain temporarily closed a section of Interstate 90 in southeast Minnesota overnight. The National Weather Service says the heaviest rain fell from Austin to Rochester where there are reports of more than 5 inches.

Forecasters say more than 4 inches fell in Owatonna, Mantorville and Kasson.