Flash Flood — Steele, Minnesota

2007-08-18 to 2007-08-19 · near Owatonna, Steele, Minnesota

Event narrative

A Presidential Disaster Declaration was signed for Steele County in the wake of major flooding and damage. Large areas of Owatonna were reported under two to three feet of water. Water completely covered a few roads, and was above car doors in some areas. Maple Creek at Dartt's Park was reported three times as wide as normal, and spread out into the parking lot. Some basement walls were reported to have collapsed. Two hotels in Owatonna were evacuated. The Steele County emergency manager reported 274 homes and 8 businesses were damaged. Seven homes were considered destroyed. The cooperative observer in Owatonna measured 6.47 inches as of 0700 CST August 19. Some information provided by the Owatonna People's Press newspaper.

Wider weather episode

A slow moving cold front provided the lift mechanism needed for strong thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (44.0800, -93.2200)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 57678. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.