Heavy rainfall causes flash flooding across southeast Minnesota state parks

Heavy rain caused serious flash flooding across southeast Minnesota last week, forcing the closure of several state parks and outdoor recreation areas. Beaver Creek Valley State Park and the Mystery Cave Unit at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park were among the sites that had to shut their doors to visitors. The worst rainfall hit counties including Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore, and Houston. In Rushford Township, Fillmore County, officials recorded 8.68 inches of rain, the highest total in the region. Across roughly 2,850 square miles of the state, more than four inches fell. Trails, campgrounds, and cave tours were all disrupted by the high water levels. The state DNR published visitor alerts and regular updates on its website. Southeast Minnesota has a long history of flash flooding due to its geography and weather conditions.