Minnesota Flood Warning | Effective 04/30/2026 09:51

Headline: 
Flood Warning issued April 30 at 11:51AM CDT until May 5 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Event: 
Flood Warning
Urgency: 
Immediate
Effective: 
April 30, 2026 - 9:51am
Expires: 
May 1, 2026 - 11:00am
Description: 
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Minnesota... South Kawishiwi River near Ely affecting northwestern Lake County. .Heavy rain on top of the existing snowpack will increase the rate of snowmelt. The resultant runoff will cause water levels in area rivers to increase and flooding is expected. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and remains forecast. This approaches the flood of record. * WHERE...South Kawishiwi River near Ely. * WHEN...Until Tuesday morning. * IMPACTS...At 7.0 feet, Several BWCA camp sites may be submerged. Portages may have flowing water difficult to identify. Areas with swift currents may be hazardous to recreationalists. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 11:30 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 6.8 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 11:30 AM CDT Thursday was 6.8 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 7.1 feet early Saturday afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage early Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 6.5 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 6.9 feet on 05/17/2022. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
Instruction: 
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and to the National Weather Service in Duluth when you can do so safely. Flooding can be reported to the National Weather Service at 1-800-685-8612. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. More information and resources about spring flooding is available at www.weather.gov/duluth/spring-flooding. The next statement will be issued by Friday afternoon at 100 PM CDT.
Area Description: 
Lake, MN
Forcast Office: 
NWS Duluth MN