THUNDER BAY – The City of Duluth, one of Thunder Bay’s sister cities is experiencing serious flooding this morning. Heavy rainfalls, a result of the storm system that is also impacting Thunder Bay have caused many roads and highways in Minnesota to be closed.
Due to heavy rainfall and flash floods, many roadways in and around the Duluth area are experiencing extremely dangerous conditions such as roadways underwater, sinkholes, mudslides, man hole covers open etc. Portions of I-35 in Duluth are impassable. Many homes are reporting flooded basements.
The Duluth Police Department are asking citizens to remain at home and any travel needs to be for emergency ONLY. Also, any calls to 911 should be for emergency purposes ONLY.
Weather forecasts at 5:00AM are predicting significant rainfall throughout the morning.
The Duluth Police Department, Duluth Fire Department and City of Duluth staff are coordinating with local EMS to respond and assist as needed. We have evacuated some homes in low lying areas in the Fon-Du-Lac neighborhood.
City Hall in Duluth will be closed today.
There are media reports that the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth is underwater.
Road and Highway Closures in Minnesota:
In Duluth:
I 35 NB closed from Central Ave to 27th W and 5th W to London Rd
SB I 35 closed from 26th E to 5th W and 27th W – Central Ave
Use alt routes for I-35 in Duluth
TH 53 – Mall area – water over road in two locations – road is open for now
Proctor: TH 2 closed in downtown Proctor – short detour inplace
Other closures:
TH 23 closed south of Duluth – exact location unknown due to mud slides. Cell phone coverage not working well. More details to follow.
TH 210 closed in Jay Cooke Park due to slides and washouts.
TH 61 closed at Knife River – expressway