Torrential Rain Snarls Traffic in Owatonna, Floods Baseball Field

Traffic on northbound I-35 just south of Owatonna sloshed to a halt Wednesday afternoon and water inundated Fuller Field at Dartt's Park.

Callers to KRFO Radio indicated that a jack-knifed semi-truck brought northbound traffic to a halt in the construction zone south of Owatonna. The incident occurred about 4PM when heavy rain and strong wind swept through town, bringing a thunderstorm warning from the National Weather Service. Traffic was flowing again about 5PM.

Some roads in Owatonna became practically impassable. Vehicles drove through standing water on 18th Street Southeast. The intersection of Broadway and North Elm at the post office and library was under water.

Fairgoers at the Dodge County Fair in Kasson had to go for cover when a tornado warning was issued for the county around 4:30PM due to radar-indicated rotation in a group of thunderstorms. There were several reports of wind damage around Claremont and Owatonna, according to weatherology.com. Wind gusts of 48 mph were reported in Waseca and south of Clinton Falls and 47 mph near Hope.

The Owatonna Aces amateur baseball game for Wednesday was postponed as water took over much of the infield at Fuller Field, shown in a video on twitter from @OtownBaseball.

Owatonna American Legion baseball coach Adam Trautman indicated he felt the field would be ready for the sub-state tournament in town Thursday. Championship bracket semifinals are scheduled for 4PM and 7PM. Games will continue through the weekend. Fans can look for extra options at the concession stand with the addition of brats and pulled pork, joining the great hot dogs already served.

Post 77 plays in the 4PM game Thursday against the winner of the Rochester Patriots and A's. The game between those teams was suspended Tuesday in the ninth inning. Efforts to finish the game Wednesday were rained out. The teams will complete their game Thursday at noon in Rochester, with the winner coming to Owatonna for the 4PM match-up.