Millions of Americans sweated through a scorching weekend as temperatures soared across the country and residents were rescued from flooding that forced evacuations across the Midwest.
The governor of South Dakota announced that one person has died as a result of flooding.
From the Mid-Atlantic coast to Maine, the Great Lakes region and across the West to California, officials warned residents of the risks of excessive heat and humidity.
Riverdale Park in South Dakota flooded (AP)
Damage worse than the flood recorded in 1953 has forced the evacuations of entire neighborhoods and at least one town, with the town of Spencer, Iowa, under a curfew for a second night on Sunday.
“When the flood gauge is below water level, the water is really high,” Tiggs said.
Recent heavy rainfall in north/northwest Iowa, southern Minnesota, and southeastern South Dakota has caused widespread local and riverine flooding in parts of the upper Des Moines and Cedar River basins.
This includes forecasts of near-record or record river peaks in the Upper Des Moines River Basin. #iawx pic.twitter.com/PDdPDSVMNR
— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) June 23, 2024
Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a disaster for 21 northern Iowa counties, including Sioux County. Drone footage posted by the local sheriff showed no roads visible, just rooftops and treetops sticking out above the water.
National Guard troops assisted with rescue efforts following flooding and transporting medical supplies lost in the floods.
“Shops are closed and high streets are damaged,” Reynolds said. “Hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities have been evacuated. Cities are without power and some are without potable water.”
National Weather Service meteorologist Donna Dubberke said parts of northern Nebraska, southeastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa received eight times the normal rainfall average, with more heavy rain expected this week.
Days of heavy rains cause flooding in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (AP)
Areas south of Sioux Falls, the state's largest city, were estimated to have received 10 to 15 inches of rain over three days, said Kevin Law, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service.
Noem said Sunday that at least one person had died in the flooding but did not provide details.
Water levels in several rivers, including the Big Sioux, James and Vermilion, are expected to peak between the nights of Monday and Wednesday, the governor said at a news conference.
Very warm weather is expected through Thursday, with highs above 100 degrees inland. There is a risk of heatstroke and an increased threat of grass fires. There is a slight chance of rain today and tonight. Use caution around fires and spark sources. #Fire emblem #Cowcus pic.twitter.com/1zk7krKD0e
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) June 23, 2024
“I want to urge everyone to remember the power of water and the flow of water and to stay away from flooded areas,” Noem said.
“The next few days are going to be a little tough, but we'll get through it.”
Emergency management officials in the small South Dakota town of Dakota Dunes issued a voluntary evacuation order Sunday for about 4,000 residents in the area.
Dakota Dunes is located near the Nebraska-Iowa border and is sandwiched between the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers. Both rivers are expected to crest in the coming days. Dakota Dunes emergency management officials have warned residents that mandatory evacuations could be imminent if the levees are breached.
Minor to moderate flooding is expected along the Missouri River, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials said.
In other areas, heat was the biggest concern.
“It's absolutely critical that anyone who's outdoors stay hydrated, because the heat, humidity and light winds can be dangerous even if you're in good shape and not fully acclimated,” said Bruce Soren, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oklahoma.
“It will happen soon.”
Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia all experienced record heat over the weekend.
