Record rainfall causes devastating floods in Upper Midwest, 1 dead in South Dakota
Image credit: Sioux City Fire Rescue
South Dakota’s governor Kristi Noem confirmed one death on June 23, 2024, as record rainfall caused devastating floods across the Upper Midwest from June 22 to 24. Torrential rains across the region led to record-breaking river levels, extensive property damage, and evacuations. Iowa and Minnesota have declared emergencies, with Iowa’s floods surpassing 1993 levels. Numerous rivers, including the Big Sioux, are at historic highs, forcing evacuations and emergency rescues. Authorities warn that more rain could exacerbate the already severe flooding.
Heavy rainfall over the past few days has led to catastrophic flooding across parts of the Upper Midwest, resulting in at least one fatality in South Dakota. Several states remain under flood warnings, with rivers swelling to record levels and causing widespread damage and displacement.
In South Dakota, central and eastern regions were inundated by torrential rains for three consecutive days. On June 23, Governor Kristi Noem announced the death of one individual due to the severe weather, though details about the victim and circumstances were not disclosed.
Numerous rivers in the state shattered previous water-level records, with the Big Sioux River expected to reach an unprecedented 12.9 m (42.2 feet) on June 24. Governor Noem expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is probably the first time we’ve seen this kind of rainfall come this quickly.”
Voluntary evacuations were urged in Dakota Dunes, a community of approximately 4 000 residents situated along the Big Sioux River. Plans were made to close a segment of Interstate 29 on the evening of June 23 to facilitate the construction of a levee across the highway to prevent further flooding.
Iowa is also grappling with severe flooding, with rivers surpassing levels recorded during the infamous 1993 floods that claimed 50 lives across the Midwest. Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster for over 20 counties on June 23, highlighting the extensive damage.
On June 22 alone, emergency responders conducted 250 water rescues, and more than 1 000 people were sheltered. The flooding had damaged over 1 900 properties, with hundreds being completely destroyed. Governor Reynolds described the situation as “staggering,” noting that many cities were without power and potable water, hospitals and nursing homes had been evacuated, and numerous businesses were closed.
“The devastation is severe and it’s widespread,” Governor Reynolds remarked. “It’s not over yet.”
John Benson, Director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, underscored the seriousness of the ongoing flood threat, warning that more rain was expected, particularly in the eastern parts of the state. “This is a very serious flood that we’re in right now and it is not going to cease,” he said.
In southern Minnesota, the flooding left entire communities submerged. Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency on June 22, enabling the National Guard to support local emergency efforts. Waterville, one of the hardest-hit areas, received between 356 to 457 mm (14 to 18 inches) of rain, causing severe flooding.
Rock Valley, Iowa, experienced a record rise in the Rock River early on June 22, prompting emergency evacuation orders for many of its 4 000 residents. Floodwaters contaminated the city’s wells, leaving it without clean water. Sioux City Fire Rescue reported via social media that emergency teams had successfully rescued numerous people and animals stranded by the floodwaters using boats.
In Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen authorized the use of a military helicopter for search-and-rescue operations. This measure was taken as parts of Hawarden, Iowa, located about 24 kilometers (15 miles) southwest of Rock Valley, were also evacuated due to flooding. Hawarden, with a population of about 2 000, faced similar challenges as floodwaters threatened the safety of its residents.
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, emergency services conducted nine rescues from floodwaters on June 22, according to Regan Smith, the city’s emergency manager.
Authorities warn that more rain could exacerbate the already severe flooding.
References:
1 Flood warning – NWS– June 24, 2024
2 US: 1 dead in Midwest floods while other states swelter under record heat- India today – June 24, 2024
3 Interstate 29 Closing at 6 p.m. from Exits 2 to 9 in Southeast South Dakota –NEWS.SD– June 23, 2024
4 Gov. Reynolds Extends Disaster Proclamation to Palo Alto County in Response to Severe Storms and Flooding – Iowa – June 23, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
WHERE IS THE NEWS ON THE IMMENENT COLLAPSE OF THE RAPIDAN DAM IN MN? NOBODY IS COVERING THIS MASS ISSUE.. NOBODY… NOT EVEN YOU!
Thanks for the info. This event is being covered and local government is providing regular updates.