Flood watches, warnings for much of Minnesota, Crow Rivers

Forecasters are predicting flooding along the Minnesota and Crow Rivers, where 24 hours of rain are expected by Friday morning.

Another round of rain is expected Friday and into Friday night.

A combination of warnings and watches have been issued for much of the Minnesota River's length. A river flood warning has also been issued for the Minnesota cities of Mayer, Delano and Rockford on the Crow River.

Diane Cooper, hydrologist with the National Weather Service, said all the rain is making snow melt rapidly, and causing rivers to rise. She says there is also a risk of ice jamming in some spots.

"So you have water build up back behind that jam and then eventually you are going to get enough pressure that causes that ice to break free," Cooper said. "And then you have a rush of water that moves down stream."

Current forecasts show the Crow River in Delano reaching action stage by Saturday and major flood stage by the middle of next week.

If the rivers reach major flood stage significant water damage to roads and buildings in the area could result.

"It really depends upon how the melt continues to play out," Cooper said. "We are expecting above-freezing temperatures both for overnight lows as well as daytime highs for the next several days so we are not going to see that snow pack refreeze any time soon."