The Upper Midwest is facing a major crisis as more than a million people are under flood warnings due to days of heavy rain causing widespread flooding in Iowa and South Dakota.
The flood warnings are in place for rivers in parts of Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, with some warnings scheduled to end later on Sunday while others are in effect until further notice. The situation has been described as “catastrophic” by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who declared a disaster for 21 counties in the state.
In South Dakota, torrential rain has led to some areas receiving up to 18 inches of rain, causing Governor Kristi Noem to warn of expected record-level flooding in the coming days. The Big Sioux River, a major waterway in the state, is expected to reach record levels.
Meanwhile, other parts of the United States are experiencing a heatwave, with cities like Dulles, Va., and Baltimore breaking temperature records. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for dangerously hot conditions in parts of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
The flooding in the Midwest has already caused devastation in Rock Valley, Iowa, where the Rock River rose to a record level, leading to emergency evacuation orders for many residents. Sioux City Fire Rescue and emergency teams have been working tirelessly to rescue people and animals stranded in floodwaters.
In neighboring Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen has authorized a military helicopter to assist with search and rescue operations. Parts of Hawarden, Iowa, have also been evacuated, adding to the growing list of affected areas.
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, emergency services have been busy rescuing people from floodwaters and responding to numerous calls related to the flooding. The situation remains dire as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding.
