MPR’s Gary Eichten checks in with regional reporters on the historic flooding that hit the city of Rochester. After torrential rain, the Zumbro River overflowed and is causing extensive damage to area.

Rochester received 4.99 inches in 3 hours on the July 5th, creating flash flood conditions. The South Fork Zumbro River and its tributaries (Bear Creek, Silver Creek, Cascade Creek) went into flood stage. The event was considered Rochester's worst natural disaster in almost 100 years and the worst flood in the city's history.  One-fourth of city, mainly south and northeast sections, was inundated by up to 6 feet deep turbulent flood water. There were five fatalities related to the flooding. This was one of four major flash floods to affect southeast Minnesota during the summer of 1978.