Midwest evacuations
At least 2 dead as devastating Midwest flooding triggers evacuations
The flooding has also caused significant infrastructure damage.
June 24, 2024 - The Midwest is grappling with catastrophic flooding that has led to the deaths of at least two individuals and forced widespread evacuations. The severe weather has compounded the misery of a vast heatwave affecting millions across the United States.
In Rock Valley, Iowa, relentless rainfall caused the Rock River to overflow, submerging homes and streets. The town's 4,200 residents were evacuated, with National Guard helicopters rescuing those stranded on rooftops. Governor Kim Reynolds declared a state of emergency for 21 counties, including Sioux County, where Rock Valley is located. Drone footage revealed a town almost entirely underwater, with only rooftops and treetops visible.
Aiden Engelkes, a resident of Spencer, Iowa, recounted his harrowing experience of fleeing his flooded apartment. He spent over seven hours in a friend's fourth-floor apartment before being rescued by boat. Engelkes and his girlfriend managed to save a few belongings and their pets but expect their apartment to be ruined by the floodwaters.
The flooding has also caused significant infrastructure damage. A railroad bridge connecting North Sioux City, South Dakota, with Sioux City, Iowa, collapsed into the Big Sioux River. The bridge, owned by BNSF Railway, had been closed as a precaution, and no injuries were reported from the collapse. However, the loss of this critical rail link will have long-term impacts on the region's transportation network.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem declared an emergency following heavy rainfall that led to road closures and significant flooding in Sioux Falls. The southeastern part of the state received an estimated 10 to 15 inches of rain over three days. The South Dakota Department of Transportation built a berm across Interstate 29 in North Sioux City to temporarily block the highway and prevent further damage.
In addition to the flooding, the Midwest is enduring a severe heatwave. Temperatures soared across the region, with major cities like Washington, D.C., Richmond, Virginia, Philadelphia, and Newark experiencing near or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service warned of prolonged heatwaves in the Ohio Valley and Northeast, with above-normal temperatures persisting across the country.
The heatwave has led to a surge in heat-related hospitalizations, particularly in New York state, where the number of cases reached five times the usual June average. Public officials have cautioned residents about the dangers of excessive heat and humidity, urging them to stay hydrated and seek shelter in air-conditioned spaces.
The flooding and heatwave have created a perfect storm of extreme weather conditions, with parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa receiving eight times the typical average rainfall. Thirteen rivers in northwestern Iowa have flooded, leading to the evacuation of entire neighborhoods and at least one whole town. Spencer, Iowa, imposed a curfew for a second night after flooding surpassed a record set in 1953.
Businesses, hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities have been evacuated, and many cities are without power or drinkable water. Emergency management officials in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, urged the evacuation of roughly 4,000 residents, warning that a mandatory evacuation could come quickly if flood barriers are breached.
The National Weather Service has forecasted more rain, and many rivers may not crest until later this week. Minor to moderate flooding is expected along the Missouri River, but officials are hopeful that levees will hold and prevent major impacts.
As the Midwest continues to battle these extreme weather conditions, the resilience and determination of its residents are being tested. Communities are coming together to support one another, but the road to recovery will be long and challenging. The combination of flooding and heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and resilience in the face of climate change.