The Upper Midwest region of the United States experienced major flooding as a result of days of heavy rain, which led to flood warnings for more than a million people in states including Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Some rivers in Iowa have exceeded levels seen during the devastating 1993 floods, prompting Governor Kim Reynolds to declare a disaster for 21 counties. Similarly, South Dakota has experienced torrential rain, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches, leading Governor Kristi Noem to warn of record flooding levels on the horizon, particularly in the Big Sioux River.
As the Midwest grapples with severe flooding, other parts of the United States are facing a heatwave and increased cases of heat-related illnesses. Cities such as Dulles, Va., and Baltimore have broken temperature records, with dangerously hot conditions forecasted for areas in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This combination of extreme weather events has resulted in a challenging situation for emergency services and local authorities throughout the affected regions.
The devastating flooding in the Midwest has caused widespread devastation, particularly in Rock Valley, Iowa, where the Rock River reached record levels, prompting emergency evacuation orders for the city’s 4,000 residents due to contaminated well water. Sioux City Fire Rescue played a critical role in rescuing individuals and animals stranded in floodwaters, while neighboring Nebraska’s Governor authorized military helicopters for search and rescue operations. Nearby Hawarden, Iowa, with a population of about 2,000, also faced evacuations as a result of the rising floodwaters.
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, emergency services conducted numerous rescues and responses to incidents related to the flooding. Nine people were rescued from floodwaters, and services responded to stranded drivers, stalled vehicles in water, water-related issues, traffic accidents, and various other emergency calls. The challenges presented by the flooding in the Upper Midwest underscore the importance of preparedness, coordination, and swift response from state and local authorities to ensure public safety and minimize the impact of natural disasters on affected communities.
