Flooding in Upper Midwest and southern Texas shutting down portions of highways

Moderate to major flooding is impacting portions of the Upper Midwest and southern Texas this week, causing several evacuations and road closures.

As of Thursday morning, several highway closures were in place in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and southeast Texas after storms blanketed the areas with heavy rains. More storms are forecasted in the affected regions, potentially exacerbating problems in flooded areas.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported flooding on at least three highways in the state on Thursday morning. To find the most up-to-date detour routes, go here.

As of Thursday morning, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported closures or lane reductions on U.S. Highway 2, U.S. 53, U.S. 63, Wisconsin Highway 35 and Wisconsin 77. See the below map for exact locations, including some detours: Updated traffic information for Wisconsin can be found here.

Several closures and water on roadways were being reported on smaller highways in the Corpus Christi region in Texas. Nearly all flooding and closures were on farm-to-market highways. Flooding was being reported on State Highway 44 east of Corpus Christi. State Highway 286 is closed due to flooding just south of Corpus Christi. Up-to-date info for Texas can be found here.

More storms were on the way for most of the above areas. The National Weather Service’s Sioux Falls, S.D., radar station was showing continued rain for Thursday afternoon and evening. Some portions of southwest Minnesota are expected to see more rain through the weekend. The La Crosse, Wis., National Weather Service station was expecting more precipitation south of Interstate 94 through the weekend.

Isolated thunderstorms are expected in southern Texas through Tuesday, June 26.