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Waterville residents brace for more rain as high waters flood streets

Nearly 9,000 sandbags have been made as of Thursday evening.

WATERVILLE, Minn. — The lingering effects of this weeks rain are still being felt north of the Twin Cities, as northern Minnesota continues to see damage and flooded roads. South of the metro, residents in Waterville are also bracing for more rain.

"Last time I've seen water like this in town was what? 2014?" Caleb Wadd with Lakes Barge Service Motorsports & Marine said.

Roads in Waterville are currently blocked due to water, and the banks of the lakes and rivers pushed farther in thanks to this weeks rain. With more rain in the forecast this weekend, Wadd is concerned. 

"There's just so much rain coming," he said.

Because of the rain, many boats stored in docks are pushing against their covers, in need of rescue. That's where Wadd and coworker Gavin come in.

Their business normally helps people get their docks in and our of the water, now serving a new purpose.

"Caleb's a good man helping out here," Paul Charbonneau said, watching as Caleb and Gavin worked to get his pontoon freed Thursday afternoon. "Crossing our fingers and hoping it didn't rain anymore, but unfortunately it did."

Along with the efforts of Caleb and Gavin, multiple city and county agencies, along with dozens of volunteers, have come together to prepare close to 9,000 sandbags.

Still, it's an uphill battle with weekend rain coming soon.

"It's depressing, we'll have quite the mess to clean up when she's all said and done," one neighbor said, watching as the two worked.

Despite the challenge, it's clear to see neighbors helping neighbors in Waterville – happy to help, even as the rain keeps coming down.

"We give 100 percent every time we go out, but our main focus is to try and help everybody," Wadd said.

Wadd says they've helped roughly 30 people so far.    

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