Bob King / The Duluth News-Tribune via AP

Water overflows from a storm sewer in Duluth, Minn. on June 20.

Duluth Minn. mayor Don Ness said he would declare a state of emergency after the deluge of up to 9 inches of rain caused extensive damage to the port city of about 86,000.

Ness said the order would start the process to obtain federal aid. Gov. Mark Dayton said he would travel to Duluth on Thursday to discuss how the state can help.

"There are certainly reports of streets being washed out, but the more significant problems are as the water comes over the ridge and starts rushing down the hill, overwhelming our storm systems, overwhelming our culvert system and creating that forward momentum of rushing water," Ness said. "That's where the most significant problems are being felt."

--The Associated Press

• Flooding swamps Duluth, drowns zoo animals

Bob King / The Duluth News-Tribune via AP

A car fell into a huge sinkhole in Duluth, Minn. on June 20. Duluth Mayor Don Ness said he would declare a state of emergency after a deluge of 9 inches of rain that he said caused extensive damage to the port city of about 86,000.

Bob King / The Duluth News-Tribune via AP

Water flows down a damaged street in Duluth, Minn. on June 20.

Bob King / The Duluth News-Tribune via AP

Residents of the Fond du Lac neighborhood and motorists stuck on Highway 23 who were evacuated wait in a DTA bus before being taken to the Copper Top Church.

Watch a video of the flooding

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