Flood Watch Issued for Wednesday & Thursday

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch in effect from 1 PM Wednesday through 7 PM Thursday for the southern half of Minnesota -- including Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Morrison, and Mille Lacs counties.

Temperatures will warm into the 40s Wednesday and Thursday, with around an inch to an inch and a half of rain expected Wednesday into Thursday. Rain and snow melt could lead to street flooding and ponding of water in low lying areas.

Many of the the drainage systems are full of ice and snow, so any melting or runoff from the rain could lead to ponding of water in low lying areas. Looking ahead, temperatures will fall below freezing Friday, so any standing water will become ice.

From the National Weather Service this morning: Widespread rainfall and temperatures in the mid to upper 40s will lead to localized street flooding Wednesday-Thursday. Very strong winds are likely especially across western MN Thursday. A transition to snow on Thursday could lead to reduced visibilities during falling snow.