DETROIT LAKES, Minn. -- Flooding continues to affect area highways and interstates in west-central Minnesota, and motorists are urged to drive with caution, according to a release from the state Department of Transportation and State Patrol.
The following state highways are closed until further notice:
- Highway 75 is closed near Kent. Traffic is detoured to Wilkin County Road 3 and Wilkin County Road 26.
- Highway 12 is closed approximately two miles east of Ortonville. Traffic is detoured to Highway 75, Highway 7 and Highway 119.
- Highway 12 is closed approximately seven miles east of Ortonville at Horseshoe Lake. Traffic is detoured to Highway 75, Highway 7 and Highway 119.
ADVERTISEMENT
If motorists must travel in west-central Minnesota area, follow these safe driving practices (source: Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_during.shtm ):
- Expect the unexpected - flash floods can occur anytime, anywhere.
- Flooding can knock out bridges, undercut highways and clog roads with mudslides and debris.
- MnDOT will identify which roads are closed and warn motorists of potential pavement break up or soft shoulders that could give way.
- Drivers are warned not to drive around barricades and to check the state's traveler information Web site www.511mn.org or call 5-1-1 for road conditions, closures and alternate routes.
- Do not drive into flooded areas.
- If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
ADVERTISEMENT
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.
For updated information, call 511 or click on www.511mn.org when traveling in any area of the state where potential flooding conditions exist. For weather and flood warnings, go to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Web site http://www.noaawatch.gov/floods.php or listen to NOAA weather radio or local radio stations.
