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Minnesota is gearing up for a band of strong storms that are expected to move across the state throughout Wednesday and overnight.
A flash flood warning has been issued for southern Beltrami County. The National Weather Service says radar indicates thunderstorms in the area could produce heavy rain. The area, which includes Bemidji, could get rainfall of 1 to 3 inches in a short duration.
There’s also a flood watch in effect for a larger portion of the state until Thursday morning. Counties under that flood watch include Clay, East Becker, East Otter Tail, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Norman, South Beltrami, South Clearwater, Wadena, West Becker, West Otter Tail and Wilkin. Southeast North Dakota is also under flood watch.
Timothy Lynch is a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Grand Forks. He said the service issued a flash flood warning in Bemidji because of ongoing impacts of storms earlier this summer.
“They have some clogged drains and things out there, and are more prone to flooding at the moment,” Lynch said. “We’re just kind of concerned about the heavier rainfall rates right now.”
The National Weather Service says most flood deaths occur in vehicles. It's urging drivers to stay off flooded roads.
“Just be mindful of where you're driving. Most areas probably won’t have any issues, but if you have water standing over a roadway, or especially flowing over a roadway, our advice is don’t chance it, just turn around, find you a different path. There’s no telling if the road’s still there or not,” Lynch said.
Southern Minnesota is in for a heat advisory with highs in the 90s and thick humidity, making conditions Wednesday afternoon and evening especially dangerous for that part of the state.
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