DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines, Iowa experienced historic flooding over the weekend, impacting nearly 2,000 properties and leading to evacuations and emergency declarations. Governor Kim Reynolds described the devastation as severe and extensive during a press conference on Sunday in Des Moines. The flooding was caused by both heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches in two days, and overflowing rivers inundating dry communities downstream, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Roger Vachalek.
The precipitation, drawn north from the Gulf of Mexico, collided with a cool, low-pressure system moving from west to east over northwest Iowa and neighboring states. The clash of these weather systems unleashed torrential rains and widespread flooding in the region. The aftermath of the flooding saw multiple weather-related fatalities, with details on the number still pending.
In South Dakota, an 87-year-old man lost his life in a utility task vehicle accident as a result of a washed-out roadway near Harrisburg. Additionally, a motorist stranded in floodwaters in Tucson, Arizona was pronounced dead when first responders found her lifeless body. The impact of the flooding was felt in southern Minnesota and southeastern Dakota as well, with areas experiencing direct rainfall or river overflow.
The already saturated ground in northwest Iowa exacerbated the rapid and extensive flooding, severely affecting farmland. Rivers like the Des Moines, Rock, and Little Sioux broke flood level records at 16 different locations across Iowa. The flooding left over 1,000 people in need of emergency shelters, damaged 1,900 properties, and destroyed hundreds of homes. Several cities faced issues with water and sewage systems, prompting declarations of disasters in 25 Iowa counties by Sunday night.
Spencer, a city with a population of over 11,000, was isolated by floodwaters overnight, leading to evacuations to city shelters. Emergency responders, assisted by neighboring departments, conducted hundreds of rescues. Despite the challenges, officials expressed confidence in the community’s ability to recover from the disaster. In South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem declared a statewide emergency in preparation for more flooding expected in the coming days.
As authorities brace for more severe weather and rising river levels, the threat of additional flooding and thunderstorms looms large in the region. With ongoing challenges in managing the aftermath of the flooding and addressing infrastructure issues, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The resilience and unity shown in response to the crisis reflect the determination of the affected communities to overcome the challenges brought about by the historic flooding.
