If you’re in Minnesota, you’ve probably heard by now about the horrible flooding in some of the southern parts of the state. I was supposed to have a photo session tonight in downtown Northfield and in an outdoor area, so I drove around just before to check things out. Well, the entire parking lot near the wooded location was underwater, and I saw firsthand how high the river had gotten downtown. Some businesses have been affected by the flooding, but there were so many people filling sandbags, hopefully their efforts will help!
These are just snapshots, and given the number of people doing exactly the same thing I was (standing around, gawking in disbelief at the rapid flow of water over walls and up river banks, camera in hand), there are hundreds of images exactly like these populating Facebook and blogs today. More photographs (not taken by me) can be found at the Picasa album by Locally Grown Northfield’s Griff Wigley, the Northfield News, and some at WCCO showing other affected areas of Minnesota.
This first photograph is the football field at Carleton, completely underwater. That mound you see coming out of the water? That’s part of the track that surrounded the field, bubbling up after separating from the ground.
Looking north at the foot bridge that spans the river. That metal railing you see? It tops a stone wall that is tall enough my kids can’t see over it when we walk along the river walk. And the water is normally far below the level of the walk.
Looking across at Froggy Bottoms. Feeling glad we just had dinner there last week now that they may not be back open for a while. I suppose it’s naive to say I hope their damage isn’t too bad.
Emergency responders and bystanders.
There is usually a good-sized waterfall here. You can barely see where the water has come up onto the sidewalk on the left, across from the trees.
Standing in a crowd looking north at the water rushing by. The space to the right of the wood beam, up to the building, is a walkway that is now 3-4 feet underwater, at least.
A tiny bit of sunshine coming in through the sky. Such a small sliver you could see the rays coming straight down! Looking south, the waterfall is behind the railing.
I heard the river was supposed to crest sometime tonight, hopefully things don’t get any worse! Many thanks to those in the area who are helping with this emergency.
