ROCK VALLEY, IA – Residents in Rock Valley, Iowa were forced to evacuate their homes as high floodwaters swept through the area over the weekend, prompting Governor Kim Reynolds to issue a disaster proclamation for 21 counties in northwest Iowa. The catastrophic flooding also led to emergency operations in Minnesota, where Governor Tim Walz authorized the National Guard to provide support in response to extreme flood conditions.
In South Dakota, heavy rainfall resulted in rising waters that led to the rescue of nine individuals and multiple emergency responses for stranded drivers and stalled vehicles. Mayor Paul TenHaken of Sioux Falls declared an emergency in response to the flooding, with cumulative rainfall amounts ranging from 6.5 to 8 inches over 72 hours.
The intense heat wave shifting to the Mid-Atlantic has brought record-breaking temperatures to cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., with triple-digit highs causing concern for those without proper air conditioning. The West is also experiencing scorching temperatures, with central and southern California, Arizona, and Utah facing triple-digit forecasts.
Despite the heat wave, parts of New Mexico are battling wildfires that have burned over 24,200 acres. While some residents are set to return home, concerns remain about potential flooding, mudslides, and debris flows in the aftermath of the fires. The FBI is offering a reward for information on the cause of the wildfires.
In other regions, the threat of severe storms and heavy rainfall looms, with New England facing a risk of damaging winds, tornadoes, and hail on Sunday. The National Weather Service warns of potential flash flooding in the Northeast, along with monsoon-like conditions in the Four Corners region. Showers and thunderstorms are also forecasted for the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Valley.
As natural disasters continue to impact various parts of the country, emergency preparations and response efforts are ongoing to mitigate the effects of extreme weather conditions. Stay informed and stay safe during this turbulent weather period.
