Flooding closes roads in Minnesota River valley

Flooding is closing or restricting travel on some highways in the Minnesota River valley.

The state Department of Transportation and the Minnesota State Patrol have closed Highway 19 from Highway 169 to Henderson. Highway 93 is suggested as an alternate route.

Highway 93 from Highway 169 to Henderson could be closed Monday afternoon with Highways 25, 5 and 19 suggested as alternate routes. The northbound lane of Highway 169 from St. Peter to LeSueur is closed.

DOT officials say motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and spend up to 90 days in jail for violating the road closures. And, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)