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Northeastern Minnesota has seen more than five inches of rain in less than 24 hours and it has caused major flooding in Duluth.

Multiple roads are closed near Duluth including I-35 and portions of Highway 61. According to Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Erik Simonson, many roads in the city are underwater, causing sink holes, mudslides, and manhole covers to blow open.

Many homes in the city also have flooded basements.

Authorities in Duluth are asking residents to remain at home and no travel is recommended at all, unless it is for emergency reasons only.

“Road conditions are terrible from one end to the city to the other,” Simonson told WCCO-TV Wednesday morning. Simonson went on to say “We’ve got areas that are four to five feet underwater right now. It’s a mess”

Several animals also escaped from their cages at the Lake Superior Zoo due to flooding. Zoo officials said all big-game animals have now been accounted for and a donkey along with sheep and goats have drowned.

UW-Superior officials had planned to host orientation for incoming freshman on Wednesday, but all events have been canceled because the campus is flooded and has no power. The University of Minnesota-Duluth is also closed due to flooding, according to officials.

Homes have been evacuated in low-lying areas, and Duluth Police, Duluth Fire and officials with the city of Duluth are coordinating efforts where needed.

(Photo courtesy of Duluth News Tribune)