Flooding continues to create difficult driving conditions in southeastern Minnesota

ROCHESTER, Minn. – (2 p.m.) Interstate 35 south of Owatonna is now open, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mn/DOT continues to advise motorists to use caution in southeastern Minnesota due to flooding. Several highways have water over the road and some are closed at this time.

Most Recent Open Highways:

NEW Interstate 35 south of Owatonna
Highway 58 north of Zumbrota

Most Recent Closed Highways:

NEW Highway 105 south of Austin
Detour: Use local roads

NEW Highway 3 between Dundas and Faribault
Detour: Rice County Road 9, to Rice County Road 46, to Highway 21 and then back to Highway 3

NEW Highway 19 in Northfield at Highway 3
Detour: Use local roads

Other Closed Highways:
Highway 52 near Pine Island due to flooding and a culvert separation
Northbound Long-Term Detour: West on Highway 14 to Kasson, north on Highway 57 to Wanamingo, east on Highway 60 to Highway 52 at Zumbrota.
Northbound Highway 52 is blocked at Olmsted County Road 14 (75th Street), except for local traffic.

Southbound Short-Term Detour: West on Highway 60 to Wanamingo, south on Highway 57 to Kasson, east on Highway 14 to Highway 52 in Rochester.
Highway 60 west of Zumbro Falls
Detour: Use local roads

Highway 63 in Wabasha County
Detour: Highway 61 to Highway 42 to Highway 247 and then back to Highway 63.

Highway 65 (East Main Street) in Albert Lea at Clark Street
Detour: Use Front Street

Highway 74 north of Elba
Detour: Use local roads

Highway 218 at Highway 14 – road and ramps closed
Detour: Use local roads

Passable Highways that are Partially Water-covered:

Highway 63 north of Zumbro Falls (single lane open)
Highway 105 south of Austin (single lane traffic)  expected to close this afternoon

Flooding is difficult to predict and roads may be closed or restricted without warning. Motorists are advised to check road conditions in advance of travel.

Mn/DOT crews are working around the clock to make highways safe, control flooding and repair roads when waters recess.

Every flood is dangerous to motorists. If you must travel follow these safe driving practices

Many roadways are very muddy and when wet, the surfaces become very slippery.  In addition, many roadways are narrow due to flooding impacts and many are missing shoulders.

Click here for the latest area flood news.