Cottage Grove has declared a state of emergency based on potential flooding of the Mississippi River.
The city council voted Wednesday to make the declaration.
No damage has occurred yet, but city officials worry that the rising waters may damage bridges and houses when the river crests.
The peak of the flooding should hit Cottage Grove on March 30.
City Administrator Jennifer Levitt said the damage might occur in Grey Cloud Island, which is connected by two bridges. One of those bridges is low, which makes it vulnerable to high waters and floating debris. And, there are three vulnerable homes along River Acres Road.
The city began to deliver sand and bags to the sites on Thursday, in preparation for a sandbagging effort.
It’s difficult to predict exactly when the river level will peak, she said, but the city will announce later if volunteers are needed to help protect the houses.