As snowmelt continues at a rapid pace, emergency management authorities in central Minnesota are urging motorists to drive carefully, especially in low lying areas.
"Drivers are urged to use caution and avoid driving on flooded roads when possible," Hubbard County Emergency Management Director Dave W. Konshok urged in a bulletin. "Most flood related deaths occur in automobiles. Turn around ¬ don't drown."
Several roadways are becoming impassible. Highway 71 north of Two Inlets in Hubbard County has water running across it; a portion of County Road 102 in Farden Township is closed and County Road 92 in Lakeport Township is closed, as is a section of CSAH 5 in Hart Lake Township. Western Avenue west of Park Rapids is partially under water.Crews were working on a washout section of highway south of Lake Plantagenet late Monday.
In Becker County, County Highway 48 near the County Road 135 intersection is closed; County Road 125 south of Highway 34 is closed and County Road 126 near the intersection of County Road 29 is closed. Several other roads have running water. Sheriff Tim Gordon said caution is advised.
Because road conditions are changing hourly, motorists are advised to check www.511mn.org for the latest driving bulletins.
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Highway crews in both counties are out monitoring trouble spots.
Park Rapids school buses had to detour along several routes Monday morning to pick up waiting students.
We're watching it real closely," said transportation director Cindy Leach.
