Minot-area flooding prompts new Amtrak shutdown
The Empire Builder will not run until further notice between St. Paul and Havre, Mont., beginning with trains originating Tuesday, as a result of what is predicted to be the worst flooding in more than 120 years in the Minot area, Amtrak announced late Monday night.By: Kevin Bonham, Grand Forks Herald
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Amtrak service is being shut down in North Dakota and most of Minnesota and part of Montana again, this time because of anticipated flooding in the Minot area.
The Empire Builder will not run until further notice between St. Paul and Havre, Mont., beginning with trains originating today, as a result of what is predicted to be the worst flooding in more than 120 years in the Minot area, Amtrak announced late Monday night.
Minot is expecting the Souris River to reach a new spring high mark this week, as more water is released from Lake Darling Dam as a result of recent heavy rains.
The Souris is forecast to crest this weekend at 1,563.1 feet above sea level, about five feet higher than its record crest.
About 10,000 Minot residents, as well as residents of nearby Burlington, N.D., were evacuated in late May, but since have been allowed to return to their homes. Many of them have been asked to prepare to evacuate again, as early as today.
In North Dakota, the Amtrak service interruption affects stops in Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Minot, Stanley and Williston, N.D. No alternate transportation will be available until further notice. The tracks are owned by BNSF Railway Co.
Passengers with questions about travel plans on this route should call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com for additional information.
Tags: north dakota, 2011 floods, souris river, update, montana, trains, travel, minnesota, amtrak, flood, minot
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