New all-time record set for Rainy Lake water level
Homes are underwater as Rainy Lake continues to flood.[WDIO/Sabrina]
Early Friday morning, the Rainy Lake water level rose higher than the 1950 record of 1112.95 feet, measured at Bear Pass and Fort Frances.
After going down briefly, Rainy Lake officially surpassed the record level Friday afternoon. The water is expected to continue rising through at least mid-June. If there is normal to above-normal precipitation in June, the water could rise even longer.
County Road 136 in International Falls closed Thursday afternoon, with voluntary evacuations for affected residents.
Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is adding more emergency grade raises on Highway 11 on Rainy Lake, through Saturday, June 4. This is happening near Tilson Bay and at County Road 139. MNDOT says otorists should expect delays and single lanes controlled by flaggers.
MNDOT says Highway 11 will remain open at this time, including while the grade raise is constructed.
Friday, Governor Tim Walz extended National Guard support in the Koochiching County area. Guard members will be on site until waters subside or until June 30, whichever comes first. The Governor does have the power to extend the emergency order.
On Saturday, Governor Walz will visit International Falls with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, for a briefing and tour damage caused by the flooding.