Seeking Falcon Heights Storm-Related Flood Damage Assistance?

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis is here for your Falcon Hights storm damage.

SERVPRO provides Falcon Heights flood mitigation and remediation

One of Falcon Heights' most famous and attended events is the "Great Minnesota Get Together," the annual State Fair. The Fair runs for twelve days, with the final day always coinciding with Labor Day. Located on permanent grounds adjacent to the University of Minnesota's St.Paul Campus, the Fair's official address is 1265 Snelling Ave North, St. Paul. Still, the footprint of the Fair is in Falcon Heights.

When Was the First Minnesota State Fair?

The first State Fair dates to 1859, but it settled into its long-time grounds in Falcon Heights in 1885. Yearly fairs occurred since 1859, with a few exceptions due to logistics, armed conflicts, or disease:

• 1861 Civil War
• 1862 Civil and Indian Wars
• 1893 Columbian Exposition
• 1945 World War II fuel shortage
• 1946 Polio Outbreak
• 2020 Viral Pandemic

How Have Weather Extremes Impacted the Falcon Heights Fairgrounds?

Because the Fair has many permanent buildings, they must withstand all the severe weather for which Minnesota is famous. Sleet, snow, high winds, and below zero temperatures ravage the grounds in later fall through early spring. When the late summer fair dates arrive, weather challenges accompany the transition to school days and autumn -- temperatures that can exceed 90 degrees, elevated humidity, thunderstorms, and, on occasion, the threat of tornadoes.  

What Levels of Precipitation Is Common During the Run of the Fair?

Falcon Heights can expect three or four days of rain during the 12 day State Fair duration. Depending on the year, the amounts that fall vary widely:

• Wettest Fair -- 1977 at 9.48 inches over the 12 days
• Driest Fair -- 2003 at .02 inches over the 12 days

Has the Falcon Heights Site Experienced a Record-Breaking Storm During Fair Time?

During the State Fair's over 150-year history, the most significant storm event not surprisingly occurred during 1977, August 30 to be precise. Torrential rains commenced at 8:20 pm. Staff University of Minnesota's climate observatory a mile north of the Fairgrounds measured 4.06 inches of rain between 8:20 pm and midnight. Vehicles leaving the Fair on that date encountered flooding, particularly under interstate bridges, that rose to the top of their hoods. Other notable summer storms affecting the Falcon Heights site both during and before the Fair were:

• August 17, 1940 -- high winds blew over tents, including one that was a block long, and damaged equipment on Machinery Hill a week before the Fair opened.
• August 31, 1989 -- golf ball-sized hail pummeled the Fairgrounds in the afternoon.
• August 11, 2007 -- winds estimated over 67 miles per hour hit the Twin Cities area, including Falcon Heights. 
• The Grandstand and many exhibition buildings sustained severe roof damage.
• Dozens of vendor trailers and booths exhibited damage.

Where Can Homeowners Find Reliable Flood Recovery Services?

Falcon Heights residents facing flood damage during the Fair, or any other time, can have confidence in the trained and certified team from SERVPRO. Our workforce is ready to go with:

• Fully-stocked service vehicles on call 24/7
• Experienced project managers to assess your unique circumstances
• Crews poised to provide emergency services:
• Securing damaged exteriors
• Removing muck and water with pumps and truck-mounted extractors
• Tracing water migration and codifying data about moisture levels
• Cleaning and disinfecting
• Using research-based best practices to dry out flood-damaged spaces

Any day of the year, SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis is ready to respond to your storm-related flood damage. Call (612) 421-2040 for a prompt assessment and development of a flooding relief plan for your residence.