Those planning to travel to Duluth area urged to stay away

DULUTH - Those planning travel to Duluth and the North Shore areas in the coming days and weekend should check before traveling.

A state of emergency has been declared in Duluth and Carlton County after more than 9 inches of rain Tuesday night and Wednesday morning washed out roads, interrupted 911 service, flooded homes and businesses, and forced the evacuation of more than parts of Thomson and the Fond du Lac neighborhood of Duluth.

"With today's heavy rainfall the situation in Northeastern Minnesota continues to develop," Kris Eide, director for Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said Wednesday.

Gov. Mark Dayton plans Thursday to travel to Duluth.

According to a Homeland Security and Emergency Management report, air travel was restricted in and around Duluth.

The state Department of Natural Resources has closed Jay Cooke, Savanna Portage and Moose Lake state parks.

The Willard Munger State Trail from Carlton to Duluth is closed until further notice due to washouts.

Numerous roads also have been closed, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Travel is not advised due to flooding until conditions improve and MnDOT crews can make progress to recover roadways.

For updated information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.