Albert Leans awake to high water

Published 8:51 am Sunday, June 23, 2013

Jordan Wolney of Albert Lea fishes Lakeview Boulevard on Sunday morning. He said he hadn't caught anything but could see fish swimming in the street.

Jordan Wolney of Albert Lea fishes Lakeview Boulevard on Sunday morning. He said he hadn’t caught anything but could see fish swimming in the street. — Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

Main Street and Lakeview Drive were closed as of Sunday morning after an overnight thunderstorm delivered yet more rain to an already soaked community.

Road blocks prevent automobiles from driving into high water Sunday morning on East Main Street in Albert Lea near Godfather's Pizza. -- Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

Road blocks prevent automobiles from driving into high water Sunday morning on East Main Street in Albert Lea near Godfather’s Pizza. — Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

High water on Fountain Lake has inundated Katherine Island and left docks under water. Many boat lifts would not have space for boats. Some owners even tied their docks and boat lifts to shore.

The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday issued a no-wake restriction for boats on Fountain Lake.

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“High water will deteriorate shorelines and damage docks, boats and lifts, additional avoidable waves will only accelerated deterioration and increase damage,” states the Sheriff’s Office.

People driving around Fountain Lake Sunday morning noticed high water all along the shore. The water went over the shore in places like Edgewater Park, City Beach, New Denmark Park and Lakeview Park.

On Facebook, some local homeowners are reporting that their basements have water in them.

Despite the flooding, Freeborn County was not in any flood watch or warning Sunday morning.

Albert Lea received about 3 inches of rain Friday night. The Sunday morning storm delivered 0.75 inches of rain, according to the automated weather station at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport. More thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday afternoon in the Albert Lea area, meaning the waters likely will rise even higher.

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About Tim Engstrom

Tim Engstrom is the editor of the Albert Lea Tribune. He resides in Albert Lea with his wife, two sons and dog.

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