South Dakota and Iowa hit by lethal flash floods

Millions of Americans endured extreme weather conditions over the weekend as scorching temperatures blanketed the U.S., while the Midwest faced severe flooding that led to evacuations and one reported fatality in South Dakota.

Floodwaters surged at the borders of South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota over several days. In northwest Iowa, 13 rivers overflowed, submerging entire neighborhoods and at least one town.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster for 21 northern counties, including Sioux County. Drone footage posted by a sheriff showed streets submerged, with only rooftops and treetops visible above the water.

The National Guard assisted with water rescues and the delivery of essential medications lost in the flooding.

“Businesses are shuttered. Main streets have been impacted,” Reynolds said. “Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities were evacuated. Cities are without power, and some lack potable water.”

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem declared an emergency following severe flooding in the southeastern part of the state, leading to several highway closures. Areas south of Sioux Falls experienced 10 to 15 inches of rain over three days, according to National Weather Service hydrologist Kevin Low.

At least one person died because of flooding, Noem announced, though no details were provided. Several rivers, including the Big Sioux, James and Vermillion, were projected to crest between Monday and Wednesday.

“I want to remind everybody to remember the power of water and the flow of water, and to stay away from flooded areas,” Noem said. “We’ve got a few days ahead that will be tough, but we’ll get through it.”

In Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, emergency management issued a voluntary evacuation for the area’s 4,000 residents, warning that a mandatory evacuation could follow if flood barriers fail. Minor to moderate flooding was anticipated along the Missouri River, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Elsewhere, excessive heat posed significant risks. The U.S. experienced the most heat waves since 1936 last year, with excessive heat contributing to more than 2,300 deaths, the highest in 45 years, according to an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data by the Associated Press.

Authorities from the mid-Atlantic to Maine, the Great Lakes region and the West Coast, including California, issued warnings about the dangers of excessive heat and humidity.

The National Weather Service also warned of potential tornadoes in the Northeast, with tornadoes hitting Wisconsin on Saturday and destroying the historic Apple Grove Lutheran Church.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for northern New York, with threats of tornadoes near Vermont’s Lake Champlain.