Early Saturday morning’s threat of heavy rain slide south of us and caused severe flooding along it’s path. New Richland, a community of 1,200 residents, suffered water damage in 80% of the houses in town with a record 8” of rain falling over night. The New Richland Care Center had to evacuate residents by pontoon while the building was filled with 4’ of flood water. The NRHEG high school activities director mobilized their student athletes to help with the rescue efforts and getting supplies to needed locations. The St. Olaf Bakery spent Saturday feeding volunteers in New Richland.
It was a narrow 10-mile wide band of heavy storm that pounded everyone in its path. Ellendale received 7.29”, Hayfield 4”, Stewartville 6”, Spring Valley 8.17”, Lanesboro 7.48” and Preston 6.95”.
Highway 63 was closed in Spring Valley due to rising water. Rivers Bend Golf Course at the Old Barn Restaurant and Campground in Lanesboro cancelled a golf tournament for the weekend when the South Branch of the Root River overflowed its banks.
