Gov. Walz Authorizes MN National Guard Amid Spring Flooding

MINNESOTA — Gov. Tim Walz Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the National Guard Sunday to support cities dealing with intense spring flooding in northwest Minnesota.

"When our neighbors are in trouble, we step up to lend a hand," Walz said in a news release.

"I am proud that the Minnesota National Guard has answered this call to serve. The support of the Guard will be critical to ensuring the safety of Minnesotans during this difficult time."

"Local government resources are not sufficient to address the threat to life and property posed by the flooding," according to Walz's office.

On April 23, a severe spring storm caused flash flooding across northwestern Minnesota, including on the Red Lake River in Crookston. The city of Crookston has had to close local roads and threatened key facilities, including a fire station and a housing development.

The Polk County sheriff and the emergency manager requested that the Minnesota National Guard assist with emergency sandbagging, a patrol of flood protection systems, and potential evacuation operations.