The National Weather Service (NWS) says that the Mississippi River, from Minneapolis-St. Paul to St. Louis, is at risk for moderate to major flooding this spring, according to this week’s USDA Grain Transportation Report.
Much of the ground in the north-central portion of the country is frozen, water-saturated, and snow-covered. The magnitude and extent of the flooding will depend upon the timing of snowmelts and additional rain that may add surface water to the area.
NWS estimates that the St. Paul area has a 95% chance of exceeding major flood stage. The upper Mississippi River typically opens for navigation in mid-March. The earliest opening was March 3, 1983, and the latest was May 8, 2001 due to severe flooding on the Mississippi River. view the full report online.