Rising Minnesota River threatens homes, businesses near Shakopee

SHAKOPEE, Minn. — The rising Minnesota River is causing headaches for people who live, work and play in Scott County.

Water pours onto the banks of the river, into the streets and playgrounds. It also threatens some homes and businesses. Authorities are taking precautions in the area between Savage and toward Shakopee.

Floodwaters are beginning to back up near Eagle Creek, and crews are installing sandbags to prevent water from overtopping a Highway 101 border road.

They will pump water from businesses, and water from the Minnesota River will end up on the other side of the Highway 13 corridor.

Officials estimate the Minnesota River will peak in a few days, just before major flood stage.

Downstream in Shakopee, things look a little more ominous, as the Minnesota River overtops its banks and continues to rise.

“Normally we walk on the sidewalk. They have a long way,” Sara Melby said.

Families come to Huber Park Amphitheater in Shakopee to see Mother Nature in full force.

“The other side of the tree line is where the river usually goes through, but it's usually several meters below, so it goes all the way through the banks,” David Melby said.

“There's a sign, I don't know if you see it, it's on the outskirts of town just before the bridge. There, there are two marks on it – I think one is from 1997. C 'was the second biggest flood and there is one.' for 1965 it was the highest flood ever recorded and the line is above the lower line, so it's between the upper line and the lower line,” David Melby said. “Oh yeah, it “It's a historic flood here.”

Scott County officials are urging people not to drive through floodwaters. It only takes 12 inches of water to wash away a vehicle.