Floodwaters have caused evacuations in parts of Iowa due to continuous rain, while much of the United States is enduring extreme heat over the weekend.
In Rock Valley, Iowa, sirens sounded at 2 a.m. prompting the evacuation of residents in hundreds of homes near the overflowed Rock River. The city’s wells were contaminated, leaving residents without running water.
Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo mentioned the excessive rain in the region, with 4 inches falling in an hour and a half. He stated, “Our ground just cannot take anymore.”
Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a disaster in 21 counties in northern Iowa, including Sioux County which encompasses Rock Valley. Drone footage posted by the local sheriff showed submerged streets with only rooftops and treetops visible.
In South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem declared an emergency following heavy rainfall in the southeastern region, particularly around the town of Canton. Numerous highways were closed, including a section of Interstate 29 south of Sioux Falls which was later reopened.
The heatwave continues to affect millions of people across the U.S. with high temperatures. Experts noted an increase in heat waves in recent years, leading to more heat-related deaths.
Temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit are expected in several cities, and heat-related hospital visits have surged. Power outages were reported in several states due to the extreme weather conditions.
A couple from Florida braved the heat to watch a baseball game in Detroit while temperatures soared in California’s Central Valley. Flooding also affected Iowa and southern Minnesota, causing road closures and evacuations.
In New Mexico, flash floods forced evacuations in certain areas, including Las Vegas and Albuquerque.
Residents in Ruidoso, New Mexico, who were displaced by wildfires, are slowly returning, but the situation is far from normal.
Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. AP reporters Julie Walker in New York City and Ken Miller in Oklahoma City contributed.
