The city of New Richland declared a state of emergency Thursday after more than 5 inches of rain fell over an eight hour period Thursday morning, May 11.
A press release from the city said that the rain event, coupled with rapid snow melt, saturated the ground.
"Since that time, they have been working non-stop with our county, emergency management and other partners to ease the impact on the system," read the release.
According to city administrator Anthony Martens, dozens of homes have basements that are flooded. Some, he said, may have sewage leakage.
Residents say their morning started off with a surprise.
"Our baseball diamond is underwater," said Desiree Medrano, who lives nearby a flooded field.
"It came up so fast — it was kind of unexpected," said Alex Wagner, who grew up in the area. He said something like this happens every other year.
Amber Lewer has a small wall of sandbags protecting her business from the rising creek. A small army of community members built it.
"That's huge to us," said Lewer, who said dozens of high schoolers came to help build the wall.
The “wall” was by the crick, next to Neighbors Meats.
Multiple roads were closed down and numerous other businesses were also affected. The cars at Midwest Repairables were all moved to the parking lot at Budach Implement to avoid the flooded area.
All home softball and baseball games last week were canceled, rescheduled, or moved to alternative sites.
However, some fun did come out of the situation as the baseball and softball teams released some entertaining comments and videos online.
A response from the baseball team read: “Well today's game probably won't be played at Jeff and Carol Reese Field today but NRHEG is searching for possibilities for our game vs Kenyon-Wanamingo or maybe paddle boards will be used!"
A video released on social media also showcased NRHEG softball players enjoying the flooded conditions on the field as they participated in a “mock” practice as they played in the water on the softball field.