Over the weekend, millions of Americans endured sweltering heat as temperatures rose across the country, leading to dangerous flooding that forced evacuations in the Midwest. Tragically, one person lost their life due to flooding in South Dakota, according to the governor.
Government officials from the mid-Atlantic to Maine, across the Great Lakes region, and all the way to California issued warnings about the risks of extreme heat and humidity.
In areas near the borders of South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, floodwaters continued to rise. Eric Tigges of Clay County emergency management reported that 13 rivers in northwest Iowa had flooded, resulting in evacuations of entire neighborhoods and even an entire town. The town of Spencer in Iowa imposed a curfew for the second consecutive night due to flooding surpassing records set back in 1953.
Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster in 21 counties in northern Iowa, including Sioux County. Drone footage showed roofs and treetops poking above water where streets used to be.
National Guard troops were engaged in water rescues and distributing essential medications lost in the floods.
“Businesses are closed, main streets are affected,” Reynolds stated. “Hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities have been evacuated. Cities are without power and drinkable water.”
Meteorologist Donna Dubberke of the National Weather Service noted that parts of northern Nebraska, southeastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota, and northwest Iowa received eight times the typical average rainfall, with more heavy rain expected in the coming days.
In South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem declared a state of emergency due to severe flooding in the southeastern region, resulting in the closure of several highways.
The governor reported that areas south of Sioux Falls received 10 to 15 inches of rain over three days and that several rivers, including Big Sioux, James, and Vermillion, were expected to peak soon.
Emergency management officials in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, issued a voluntary evacuation order for its residents due to the rising waters of the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers. Authorities cautioned that a mandatory evacuation might be necessary if flood barriers fail.
While minor to moderate flooding was predicted along the Missouri River, the heat remained a major concern in other areas.
“It’s crucial for people outdoors to stay hydrated because in such conditions, even those in good shape could be at risk,” warned National Weather Service meteorologist Bruce Thoren in Oklahoma.
Cities like Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia experienced record-breaking heat over the weekend, with experts noting an increase in heat waves compared to previous years.
Last year saw the highest number of heat waves since 1936, resulting in over 2,300 deaths attributed to excessive heat, as per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The National Weather Service issued warnings for possible tornadoes in the Northeast, with tornadoes already touching down in Wisconsin the previous day.
In Vermont, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of northern New York as a storm with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and the potential for tornadoes headed towards Lake Champlain.
Associated Press journalists contributed to this report from various locations across the country.