Continued thawing temperatures and rainy weather are contributing to flooding in many areas of Rock County.

The Rock River in Luverne appears to have spilled over its banks, but according to Public Works Director Ken Vos, the water seen in the city park is not from river overflow.

Low lying areas of the park have standing water because of the rising water table underground.

Vos said the Rock River was actually 6 inches to a foot lower Tuesday than it was Monday.

According to Al Lais, Luverne water and wastewater supervisor, the city's wastewater system is taking on 1.7 million gallons of water per day. Normal load is more like 800,000 gallons per day.

“So far it’s handling it,” Lais said Tuesday.

According to hydrologists with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, residents should at least keep an eye on rising water.

“I think there’s a good chance of moderate flooding,” said Tom Kresko, area hydrologist with the DNR Waters Division.

Kresko offers the following advice during flood season:

•Those living in flood plains should check their flood insurance policies.

•All residents should make sure sump pumps are in working order.

•When waterways and gullies are swollen, he said, parents should prohibit children from playing near water. “Kids are attracted to water, but rushing water is dangerous,” Kresko said.

•If culverts or bridges are clogged, he said, do not attempt to unclog them. Alert authorities instead, because rushing water can pull a person under and into a culvert.

•Motorists who encounter water on the road should never drive through it. “When water rushes over a road, it can wash out a culvert and you could be driving into a hole,” Kresko said.

According to the National Weather Service, the Rock River would flood at just over 10 feet deep.

So far this spring, it’s deepest point was measured Monday night at nearly 9 ½ feet.

By 2 p.m. Tuesday, it had dropped to 8.77 feet.

In 1993 the Rock River crested at a record 14.23 feet. Other high points since then were 12.25 feet in April 2001 and 11.85 feet in March 2007.

Based on current conditions and forecasts, the Rock River is expected to reach its highest stage at the end of March.

Residents can monitor the Rock River data at www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/floods