The Midwest is facing a dangerous combination of severe flooding and the threat of more storms. Heavy rains have caused rivers to surge, leading to evacuations and rescues, and at least two deaths have been reported. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for severe storms with large hail, damaging winds, and potential tornadoes in parts of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Showers and storms are also possible in South Dakota and Minnesota, where communities are battling flooding and an intense heat wave.
Over 3 million people live in areas affected by the flooding, stretching from Omaha, Nebraska, to St. Paul, Minnesota. The heavy rains began on Thursday and continued through Saturday, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches of rain. While some regions experienced significant rainfall, others faced the challenge of managing extra water moving downstream, leading to rising levels in many streams. The Missouri River is expected to crest in Omaha on Thursday.
The flooding has resulted in significant damage, impacting roads and bridges, closing or destroying businesses, forcing evacuations from hospitals and nursing homes, and leaving cities without power or safe drinking water. In North Sioux City, South Dakota, a railroad bridge collapsed into the swollen Big Sioux River, cutting off the connection between the city and Sioux City, Iowa.
The Big Sioux River reached a record-breaking level, rising over 7 feet above its previous record. In response, the South Dakota Department of Transportation built a berm across Interstate 29 to protect against further flooding. The flooding has caused widespread disruption and anxiety among residents, with many expressing concern over the increasing frequency of severe flooding.
Rescuers have been working tirelessly to assist those affected by the flooding. Iowa’s natural resources department has conducted over 250 water rescues, including evacuating families with children and individuals with disabilities from flooded homes. The Rapidan Dam on the Blue Earth River in Minnesota experienced a partial failure due to debris buildup, resulting in the evacuation of two homes downstream.
The flooding has had a devastating impact on individuals and businesses. Aiden Engelkes, a resident of Spencer, Iowa, was unable to return to his apartment after it was flooded. He spent hours waiting for rescue after his vehicle was submerged. In Rock Valley, Iowa, Deb Kempema lost her home décor store after a river levee broke.
The White House has been briefed on the situation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has personnel deployed to assist with recovery efforts. As the Midwest faces the aftermath of the heavy rains and floodwaters recede, the focus shifts to rebuilding and assessing the long-term impacts of this event.
