AITKIN (AP) - Flood waters are still rising near Aitkin, where the Mississippi River is expected to remain above the flooding stage until Tuesday.

The Minnesota Incident Command System says the river was at 18.1 feet at Aitkin on Sunday morning. The flood stage there is 12 feet.

The forecast calls for the river to reach about 18.5 feet by Tuesday before gradually falling.

Water levels are also expected to rise at Big Sandy Lake, just north of McGregor. The area received 5 inches of rain between Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by more rain Saturday night.

The Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring the local reservoirs and making adjustments to reduce the flood risks to local communities.

Several Aitkin County roads remain underwater, washed out or otherwise impassable.

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

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