Flooding in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Floods can occur just about anywhere, and in Minnesota is no exception. Southeastern Minnesota, and west central Minnesota are at greatest risk of flooding and flash flooding, but flooding can and does occur in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

What Parts of Minneapolis and St. Paul are Likely to Flood?

Low-lying parts of the Twin Cities, and areas near lakes, rivers and creeks are most at risk.

FEMA has designated areas at risk from flooding and produces Flood Maps. At the FEMA website, you can search by address to retrieve the flood map for your home.

What are the hazards of flooding in the Twin Cities?

Minneapolis and St. Paul rarely see the kind of catastrophic floods that have affected the Red River in 2009 and the deadly flash floods in Winona County in 2008.

Flash floods, though unlikely, are possible here, and care should always be taken in low-lying areas, and around creeks, streams, rivers and other waterways.

Localized flooding is also a hazard, and many residents find their basements filled with water or their lawns underwater after heavy rains.

What Should You do in a Flood?

Here's some advice on what to do in a flood to protect yourself and your property.

• Surving Floods and Flash Floods
• Surving Flash Floods in a Car. The most important piece of advice? Never drive through a flood.
• Basement underwater? Cleaning up your home

Flood Prevention in Minneapolis and St. Paul

There are several steps you can take to prevent water from entering your home. The City of Minneapolis has a useful guide for floodproofing your home.