 Soil moisture levels in the affected region were high prior to the storms, increasing runoff.Water levels in area rivers rose beginning on September 23rd and for several days thereafter, with some of the highest water levels occurring a week after the heavy rains.The Minnesota River crested at a record-high stage at Henderson, Minnesota, and near-record river stages were recorded on the Minnesota River at New Ulm, Mankato, St Peter, Jordan, Shakopee, and Savage.