Governor Tim Walz Thursday signed an executive order activating the Minnesota National Guard to support flood operations in Northeastern Minnesota.
"As severe weather pushes flooding beyond historic highs, I'm incredibly grateful that the members of our National Guard have again raised their hands to help their neighbors," said Walz. "I've seen firsthand the impact flooding is having on our farmers and communities, and we will ensure that our fellow Minnesotans continue to receive the support they need."
At the request of sheriffs and emergency management directors of St. Louis and Koochiching counties, the Governor declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide logistics and operations support with the production and staging of flood protection materials.
Starting on April 22, heavy spring rains fell on frozen lakes and terrain throughout the Rainy River Basin in far northern Minnesota. Successive rounds of precipitation, combined with rapid snowmelt during the following weeks, have caused significant lake, riverine, and overland flooding throughout the region. More rain is forecast for the coming days, which will likely push many lake and river levels beyond their historic highs of 2014 and 1950.
Executive Order 22-13 will remain in effect until the emergency conditions caused by the flooding subside or until June 10, whichever occurs first.
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy