Sandbags protect the Faribault Woolen Mill from the rising Cannon River in this June 2014 file photo. A similar scene is unfolding today.
AS I WRITE, SANDBAGGING is underway at Faribault’s historic woolen mill along the banks of the rising Cannon River.
At noon, the Faribault City Council will meet during an emergency session to declare a State of Emergency in my community. That allows the city to deal immediately with flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
The City of Faribault has issued an emergency alert, ordering motorists not to drive through or around barricades. With two rivers—the Straight and the Cannon—running through town, there are major flooding concerns.
We’ve seen this all before, in September 2010 and in June 2014. My community appears ready as we continue under a flood warning through tonight.
Be safe wherever you are/travel in flooded Minnesota today.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Whoa…that’s crazy, stay safe my friend!
Our house is fine, nowhere near the river, but at the bottom of a steep hill. Maybe I should look at the woods behind us, though, to assure everything is stable on that steep hillside.
My parents have moved to higher ground, but may need to evacuate the area later on this afternoon. Be safe (sending thoughts of dryness).
In an Owatonna campground, right?
Yes, right on the Straight River. They cannot get out due to the road being flooded, so if need to evacuate will be by boat and be leaving everything behind (that is their home 365).
I just heard on the radio this morning that Owatonna has experiences lots of flooding, although I did not hear anything specifically about the campground. Waseca got the worse with about 14 inches of rain.
Good luck up there. I heard that the City of Austin was removing park and recreation equipment from low laying areas. Hope the good folks of Iowa don’t suffer too much when the water heads their way.
Thanks, Greg. It’s great to hear from you. Many communities around here are dealing with flooding. Looks like it could rain anytime…again.
Crum, I hope everyone can keep their feet dry there!
Check my latest blog post for flood photos.
Be safe.
Thank you.