Owatonna City Officials Offer Advice to Citizens Affected by Flooding

Steele County emergency officials held a briefing Thursday morning after extensive flooding caused damage and closed roads and schools in the region.

Steele County declared a temporary state of emergency after receiving about 5-7 inches of rain in a 24-hour span. News reports have indicated that Waseca County experienced nearly 14 inches of rain over the same time period.

Several roads remain closed and officials remind residents that it is illegal to move or drive around barriers. People are cautioned to not drive through standing water. The water may contain hazards or have enough current that can carry away a vehicle.

People who have experienced damage from the rain or flooding should go to the Steele County Emergency website for FEMA / SBA consideration. This information should be filed as quickly as possible, according to officials.

Citizens in need of assistance from the Salvation Army or American Red Cross should contact the county emergency team at (507) 444-2454. A member of the Community Emergency Response Team will make contact to assist with cleanup and review the damages.

The city of Owatonna requests debris be placed on the public right-of-way for disposal. Sand bags and sand are available at the city shop.

The public information meeting for Medford voters regarding the construction of a municipal building on the November ballot has been postponed for tonight. Other scheduled meetings will be Thursday, October 6, from 1-3PM and Wednesday, October 12, from 7-9PM.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that snow plows were used in the Twin Cities to move water off of major highways.