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Flood — West Polk, MN

Apr 17, 1997

Property Damage
$600.0M

The Red River crested in East Grand Forks on the 21st/22nd just over 54 feet, shattering the previous record by over 5 feet. Problems with the river gauge led to difficulties in obtaining stages. The 9,000 residents of East Grand Forks were evacuated from their homes on the 18th and 19th, due to the failure of the city dikes. Many homes were completely submerged in water. All of the bridges to Grand Forks were covered with water. Schools in East Grand Forks were cancelled for the remainder

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5591911). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for West Polk, MN

This event is one of many recorded floods in West Polk County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

View West Polk County flood data →

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