Flooding in Iowa, June 20 to 30, 2024

Rainfall amounts across Lyon County from June 20-22 ranged from 7 to 12 inches. Widespread overland flooding ensued with additional major to record flooding along the Big Sioux, Rock, and Little Rock Rivers, and Mud Creek.

At the peak of flooding, approximately 50 people were evacuated from Rock Rapids, Doon, and Alvord. In Rock Rapids, there were 12 swift water rescues when flood waters overwhelmed the city. County-wide 605 homes were impacted by flood waters, 15 of which were declared a total loss. In addition, six businesses were declared a total loss. Reported damage to individual property is estimated to cost 2.7 million dollars.

County infrastructure was also severely impacted. Nearly all gravel roads had some type of washout and 12 county bridges were impacted by flood waters. Preliminary damage assessments estimate damage to public infrastructure to be 10.5 million dollars.

The majority of overland flooding subsided by June 25, but river flooding continued through the end of the month. For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Lyon County.

Rainfall amounts across Sioux County from June 20-22 ranged from 2 to 7 inches, with the highest amounts across the northern half of the county. Farther north and upstream, up to 12 inches of rain fell across portions of southeast South Dakota and northwest Iowa. This rainfall resulted in extensive overland flooding and major to record flooding along the Big Sioux, Rock, West Branch Floyd, and Floyd Rivers, and Burr Oak Creek.

Large sections of Rock Valley and Hawarden were evacuated as flood waters inundated both cities. An estimated 200 people were rescued during the peak of the flooding. An estimated 60 businesses were impacted by flood water in Rock Valley and Hawarden. County-wide, 700 to 800 housing units were impacted by flood water, 150 of which were declared a total loss. Rock Valley Public and Christian Schools were also flooded and sustained severe damage.

Countless county roads and bridges were covered in water and damaged. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 6.5 million dollars.

One direct fatality occurred in Rock Valley when a man was pinned by debris from a collapsed foundation and subsequently drowned when water filled the basement.

The majority of overland flooding subsided by June 25, but river flooding continued through the end of the month. For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Sioux County.

Rainfall amounts across Osceola County from June 20-22 ranged from 7 to 9 inches. This rain resulted in widespread overland flooding across the county.

A shelter in Sibley was opened after approximately 25 homes were evacuated due to flood waters. There was at least one swift water rescue. No homes or businesses were destroyed, but there were many reports of water up to the first level with significant water damage in basements.

Numerous roads were damaged across the county. Two pump motors were destroyed at the Sibley Wastewater Treatment Plant. The May City water wells were contaminated. The Ashton water main from rural water was destroyed and a rural bridge near Ashton was also destroyed. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure across the county to be 2.15 million dollars.

The Little Sioux River near Montgomery rose above flood stage the evening of June 20th, cresting around 4.9 feet above flood stage (1395.9 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Dickinson County.

The Big Sioux River above Hawarden rose above flood stage the evening of June 20th, cresting around 19.42 feet above flood stage (39.92 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. Significant flooding was observed within the town of Hawarden itself. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Sioux County.

The Big Sioux River above Canton rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 13.35 feet above flood stage (1248.35 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the afternoon of June 30th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Lyon County.

The Big Sioux River above Canton rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 13.35 feet above flood stage (1248.35 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the afternoon of June 30th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Sioux County.

The Little Sioux River at Cherokee rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 16.47 feet above flood stage (33.47 feet) on June 24th. The crest value was determined using a high water mark due to a river gauge outage. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. Significant flooding was observed within the city of Cherokee itself. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Cherokee County.

The Little Sioux River at Cherokee rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 16.47 feet above flood stage (33.47 feet) on June 24th. The crest value was determined using a high water mark due to a river gauge outage. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for O'Brien County.

Rainfall amounts across Cherokee County from June 20-22 ranged from around a quarter of an inch across southern areas to around 2 inches across northern areas. Farther north and upstream, 5 to 10 inches of rain fell across portions of northwest Iowa. This rainfall resulted in moderate to record flooding along the Little Sioux River and Mill Creek and overland flooding along the adjoining flood plain.

The majority of flood damage occurred in or around the city of Cherokee. A total of 140 residences were impacted by flood water. Of those, 45 received major damage while 22 were completely destroyed. There were also 10 businesses that received major damage or were destroyed. Spring Lake Park was severely damaged, including a washed out road, washed out campgrounds, and a flooded yacht club. At one point, 8 bridges around Cherokee were closed and other county roads and bridges were temporarily closed. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 1.02 million dollars.

For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Cherokee County.

Rainfall amounts across Plymouth County from June 20-22 ranged from only a few hundredths across southern areas to around 2 inches across northern areas. Farther north and upstream, 6 to 10 inches of rain fell across portions of southeast South Dakota and northwest Iowa, with locally higher amounts near 12 inches. This rainfall resulted in major to record flooding along the Big Sioux and Floyd Rivers and extensive overland flooding along the adjoining flood plain.

During peak flooding, areas between the Big Sioux River and Iowa Highway 12 were evacuated. The Willow Creek Campground in Le Mars was also evacuated. There were at least two water rescues, including 14 individuals. County-wide, 47 individual households reported flood damage at an estimated cost of 275 thousand dollars.

Numerous county roads were impacted by flood waters and closed; the most significant being Iowa Highway 12 and the bridge outside of Akron that crosses the Big Sioux River into South Dakota. The communities of Westfield and Le Mars experienced the greatest impacts with damages to their wastewater treatment plants. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 1.3 million dollars.

For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Plymouth County.

Rainfall amounts across Buena Vista County from June 20-22 ranged from around a quarter of an inch across southern areas to nearly 3 inches across northern areas. Farther north and upstream, 3 to 7 inches of rain fell across portions of northwest Iowa. This rainfall resulted in major to record flooding along the Little Sioux River and overland flooding along the adjoining flood plain.

The majority of flood impacts occurred across the far northern portion of the county, including the communities of Sioux Rapids and Linn Grove. Several area homes were proactively evacuated. Most of the business district in Sioux Rapids flooded with some buildings collapsing. Approximately 80 homes and 30 businesses were damaged by flood waters.

Infrastructure was also severely impacted. The U.S. Highway 71 bridge north of Sioux Rapids was under water and closed. The Sioux Rapids water wells and wastewater treatment plant were inundated with water and the Linn Grove water system was also inundated. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 2.44 million dollars.

For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Buena Vista County.

The Big Sioux River near Brandon rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 8.32 feet above flood stage (1312.32 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Lyon County.

The Floyd River at Sheldon rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 5.7 feet above flood stage (17.7 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 24th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for O'Brien County.

The Floyd River at Sheldon rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 5.7 feet above flood stage (17.7 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 24th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Sioux County.

Rainfall amounts across O'Brien County from June 20-22 ranged from 5 to 9 inches, with the highest amounts across the northern half of the county. Widespread overland flooding ensued with additional minor to major flooding along the Floyd and Little Floyd Rivers, and Waterman Creek.

County-wide, there were five water rescues during peak flooding, involving 18 individuals. An estimated 700 to 1,000 homes were impacted by flood waters with a majority of the residential property damage reported in Hartley and Sheldon. Some homes became islands and required residents to shelter in place until the water receded, while at least two homes needed to be evacuated. An apartment complex in Hartley was also impacted by flood waters.

Numerous county roads were damaged by flood waters with extensive washouts in four different locations. In addition, 12 bridges and 6 culverts were damaged. A water main was damaged west of Sheldon along with lift stations within city limits. Osceola Rural Water was impacted due to a water breach at the well building. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 2.25 million dollars.

The majority of overland flooding subsided by June 25, but river flooding continued through the end of the month. For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for O'Brien County.

Waterman Creek near Sutherland rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 6.97 feet above flood stage (1241.97 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage. The creek stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for O'Brien County.

The Little Rock River near George rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 7.13 feet above flood stage (1318.63 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage. The river then fell below flood stage on the evening of June 23rd. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Lyon County.

The Little Floyd River near Sanborn rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 3.55 feet above flood stage (90.55 feet) on June 22nd. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 22nd. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Sioux County.

Rainfall amounts across Dickinson County from June 20-22 ranged from 5 to 10 inches. Widespread overland flooding ensued with additional major to record flooding along the West Fork Little Sioux and Little Sioux Rivers. Lakeshore flooding was also observed across the Iowa Great Lakes.

There were over 550 locations across the county where water crossed the road or there was severe gravel wash. Three bridges were also damaged and closed. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 1.9 million dollars.

County-wide, hundreds of homes reported flood damage with water or sewage in their basements. There were approximately 25 lakeshore homes with water onto the first floor, which required the temporary relocation of some residents. There were also flood damages to area businesses. Dozens of bank collapses were reported along East Okoboji, West Okoboji, Big Spirit, and Silver Lakes with nearly 3,000 ft of shoreline lost. West Okoboji Lake crested about six inches below the record set in 1993.

The majority of overland flooding subsided by June 25, but river flooding continued through the end of the month. For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Dickinson County.

Rainfall amounts across Clay County from June 20-22 ranged from 3 to 7 inches. Farther north and upstream, up to 10 inches of rain fell across portions of northwest Iowa. This rainfall resulted in extensive overland flooding and record flooding along the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan Rivers.

The city of Spencer experienced catastrophic flooding when waters from the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan Rivers overtopped the city's berm system. At peak flooding, approximately 383 people were rescued, leaving hundreds of residents displaced. Eighty homes had collapsed or caved-in foundations and roughly 2,100 structures of the 5,100 throughout the city were damaged by flood waters. Numerous others had sewage backup into their basements.

Many other residences outside of Spencer were also impacted by flood water. County-wide, over 2,400 households were approved for federal disaster assistance, at a cost of over 22 million dollars. Widespread overland flooding also resulted in numerous township, county, and state roads inundated with water and closed. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 3.59 million dollars.

One direct fatality occurred on June 22 when a man drowned after attempting to drive across a flooded road with rapidly flowing water. The vehicle was swept off the roadway and moved downstream before coming to rest along a tree line.

The majority of overland flooding subsided by June 25, but river flooding continued through the end of the month. For additional information on river flooding, please see other entries for Clay County.

The Little Sioux River at Linn Grove rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 11.97 feet above flood stage (29.97 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Clay County.

The Little Sioux River at Linn Grove rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 11.97 feet above flood stage (29.97 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Buena Vista County.

The Little Sioux River at Linn Grove rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 11.97 feet above flood stage (29.97 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for O'Brien County.

The Rock River at Rock Valley rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 12.40 feet above flood stage (28.40 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the evening of June 26th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Lyon County.

The Rock River at Rock Valley rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 12.40 feet above flood stage (28.40 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. This resulted in significant flooding to the town of Rock Valley. The river then fell below flood stage on the evening of June 26th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Sioux County.

The Ocheyedan River near Everly rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 4.68 feet above flood stage (1368.68 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Moderate Stage. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 25th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Clay County.

The Big Sioux River at Akron rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 11.34 feet above flood stage (27.34 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. Significant flooding was observed within the town of Akron itself. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Plymouth County.

Burr Oak Creek above Perkins rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 7.07 feet above flood stage (23.07 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage. The river then fell below flood stage on June 22nd. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Sioux County.

Mud Creek near Lester rose above flood stage the morning of June 21st, cresting around 0.84 feet above flood stage (1375.84 feet) on June 21st. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 22th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Lyon County.

West Okoboji Lake near Milford rose above flood stage the afternoon of June 21st, cresting around 2.61 feet above flood stage (8.11 feet) on June 25th. The lake remained above flood into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Dickinson County.

The Big Sioux River near Richland rose above flood stage the afternoon of June 21st, cresting around 11.7 feet above flood stage (1128.7 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Plymouth County.

The Rock River at Rock Rapids rose above flood stage the evening of June 21st, cresting around 15.65 feet above flood stage (28.65 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. This resulted in significant flooding to the town of Rock Rapids. The river then fell below flood stage on the evening of June 26th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Lyon County.

The West Fork of the Little Sioux River near Lake Park rose above flood stage the evening of June 21st, cresting around 4.00 feet above flood stage (1400.00 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the afternoon of June 29th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Dickinson County.

The Floyd River at Alton rose above flood stage the evening of June 21st, cresting around 14.81 feet above flood stage (26.81 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 25th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Sioux County.

Spirit Lake near Orleans rose above flood stage the evening of June 21st, cresting around 0.51 feet above flood stage (16.51 feet) on June 25th. The lake remained above flood into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Dickinson County.

Willow Creek near Sutherland rose above flood stage the evening of June 21st, cresting around 3.62 feet above flood stage (93.62 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Moderate Stage. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 23rd. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Clay County.

The West Branch of the Floyd River near Struble rose above flood stage the morning of June 22nd, cresting around 4.19 feet above flood stage (18.19 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the afternoon of June 23rd. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Sioux County.

The West Branch of the Floyd River near Struble rose above flood stage the morning of June 22nd, cresting around 4.19 feet above flood stage (18.19 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the afternoon of June 23rd. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Plymouth County.

Mill Creek near Larrabee rose above flood stage the morning of June 22nd, cresting around 9.1 feet above flood stage (1250.1 feet) on June 22nd. This crest is in the Moderate Stage. The creek then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 23rd. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Cherokee County.

The Floyd River at Le Mars rose above flood stage the afternoon of June 22nd, cresting around 7.95 feet above flood stage (27.95 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 25th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Plymouth County.

The Floyd River near Merrill rose above flood stage the evening of June 22nd, cresting around 8.27 feet above flood stage (20.27 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 24th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Plymouth County.

Rainfall amounts across Woodbury County from June 20-22 were generally 1.0 inch or less. Farther north and upstream, 6 to 10 inches fell across portions of northwest Iowa and southeast South Dakota. This rainfall resulted in record flooding along the Big Sioux, Little Sioux, and Floyd Rivers, and extensive overland flooding along the adjoining flood plains.

Multiple communities were impacted by flood waters. At peak flooding, numerous swift water rescues were conducted. Approximately 1,000 people were evacuated from the Riverside Neighborhood of Sioux City, 500 people were evacuated from Correctionville, and 10 people were evacuated from Smithland. County-wide, there were approximately 300 homes that were damaged and 10 that were destroyed.

Public infrastructure was also severely impacted. Approximately 50 roads and bridges were closed due to flood waters. The railroad bridge across the Big Sioux River to South Dakota collapsed. The Correctionville energy transfer station and sewage lift station failed, while the fire station and city hall flooded. The Smithland sewage lift station failed and the Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant was damaged. Preliminary damage assessments estimate the loss to public infrastructure to be 4.13 million dollars.

The Big Sioux River near Jefferson rose above flood stage the morning of June 23rd, cresting around 13.47 feet above flood stage (44.47 feet) on June 24th. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the evening of June 29th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Plymouth County.

The Floyd River at James rose above flood stage the morning of June 23rd, cresting around 6.39 feet above flood stage (32.39 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the afternoon of June 24th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Plymouth County.

The Floyd River at James rose above flood stage the morning of June 23rd, cresting around 6.39 feet above flood stage (32.39 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river then fell below flood stage on the afternoon of June 24th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Woodbury County.

The Little Sioux River near Correctionville rose above flood stage the morning of June 23rd, cresting around 11.92 feet above flood stage (30.92 feet) on June 25th. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river stayed above flood stage into July.

The Little Sioux River near Correctionville rose above flood stage the morning of June 23rd, cresting around 11.92 feet above flood stage (30.92 feet) on June 25th. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. The river stayed above flood stage into July. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Woodbury County.

The Big Sioux River at Sioux City rose above flood stage the morning of June 23rd, cresting around 12.84 feet above flood stage (44.84 feet) on June 23rd. This crest is in the Major Stage and broke the previous record. This resulted in impacts to the Riverside Neighborhood in Sioux City. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 28th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Woodbury County.

The Missouri River at Sioux City rose above flood stage the evening of June 24th, cresting around 2.23 feet above flood stage (32.23 feet) on June 25th. The river then fell below flood stage on the morning of June 27th. For a more comprehensive description of flood damage, please see other entries for Woodbury County.