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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW - Flooding Resources City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Contact: Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator Phone 952-826-0396 • jgilgenbach@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Increased Flooding Risk Following Predicted Rain Edina, Minn., May 30, 2014 – With recent heavy rains and more predicted for the next several days, Minnehaha Creek is at an elevated risk for flooding in Edina. Additionally, the creek is unsafe for recreational uses given high water levels and fast-moving currents. According to the National Weather Service, the area will receive two inches of rain or more over the next five to seven days. Coupled with already high water levels, area lakes and streams may spill over their banks. “The City of Edina has started filling sandbags for at-risk homes,” said Public Works Director Brian Olson. “There are about a dozen or so homes that could be at risk if the [Minnehaha] Creek continues to rise.” Olson notes that sand bags will be available, and are meant to protect homes from rising waters, not yards and patios. If you anticipate water levels will threaten your home or if you are experiencing flooding to your home, call the Edina Police Department at 9-1-1 and request sandbags be dropped off. Edina Fire Chief Tom Schmitz urges residents to stay away from the creek. “The water is rising and moving quickly. Only a few inches of moving water can sweep an adult off their feet,” he said. “It’s especially important to keep children away from the Creek.” If rains become heavy enough to cause street flooding, Schmitz said drivers should never drive through standing water. “It’s difficult to determine the depth of standing water, and drivers can easily become stranded,” Schmitz said. For additional resources on flooding, visit www.EdinaMN.gov/engineering. If you need immediate assistance, call 9-1-1. -30-