Officials are warning about flooding across many areas in southeast South Dakota amid a days-long deluge.
The National Weather Service said many areas are in a flood warning Friday, ranging from Chamberlain in the west to Lincoln and Minnehaha counties in the east. A broader flood watch extends through most of the eastern half of the state through Saturday morning.
Several law enforcement agencies are warning of water-covered roads. On Friday afternoon, the Department of Public of Safety placed a no travel advisory for southeast South Dakota. That included a stretch of I-29 near the Canton exit that authorities said was temporarily blocked off.
"The combination of sustained heavy rainfall and existing saturated ground conditions is causing widespread flooding, making travel difficult to impossible in the southeastern portion of the state," a press release said.
As of 2 p.m. CT on Friday, June 21, 2024, a no travel advisory has been placed on all state highway sections in southeast South Dakota that are experiencing flooding due to heavy rain in the area.
— SDDOT (@SouthDakotaDOT) June 21, 2024
Full Press Release: https://t.co/3O3CmKmEZc #SDDOT #SD511 pic.twitter.com/eweo2ausMI
The Department of Transportation's road conditions map shows many surface water hazards across the region resulting in several road closures.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said many rural roadways are impassable.
National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Heitkamp advised drivers against driving through flooded roads, saying it's not worth the risk.
“If you come across a flooded roadway, take an alternate route, especially in flooded gravel or secondary road. You have no idea if the road’s still there, so make sure you avoid driving through those areas," Heitkamp said. "Also, waterproof your home as much as you possibly can. If you have a sump pump, make sure that sump pump is working, making sure the hose is in an area where it can drain easily and making sure that it’s well away from your foundation. Also, your downspouts, making sure those are free and clear of debris.”
The Mitchell Fire Department reported several streets flooded overnight and advised residents to avoid non-essential travel. A sandbag station was set up Friday morning at City Street Shop, and the Mitchell Salvation Army is distributing emergency flood clean-up kits.
Mitchell City Administrator Stephanie Ellwein said rescue crews spent most of Thursday night into Friday morning in rescue operations for people stranded in homes or vehicles. She said local leaders are continuing to monitor conditions.
“We’re also in the process of opening an emergency shelter with Red Cross in conjunction with the Davison County Emergency Operations office that’s going to be to temporarily house displaced residents from the floodwater," Ellwein said.
Lennox City Manager Nathan Vander Plaats said the community is facing an "emergency flood situation," with many streets underwater. He also asked residents to limit water use to ease pressure on the city's sewer system.
“Our biggest concern is our wastewater plant lift stations - keeping those pumped down and keeping sewers from backing up in houses as much as possible," Vander Plaats said. "A lot of the night was spent over at the waste water plant lift stations helping out wherever we can, but right now I’m on my down to Sioux City to grab some more pumps.”
In Canton, the volunteer fire department is assisting with the dispersal of sandbags. City officials are reporting flooding at some homes and businesses. Police are advising residents many city streets are underwater.
In the Sioux Falls area, flash flooding has resulted in several water-logged streets. Emergency responders have also performed several water rescues, include one near Huset's Speedway in Brandon. Crews were able to get everyone involved in that incident out safely.
Minnehaha County Water Rescue was dispatched to Husets Speedway in Brandon. After a flash flood, people were left surrounded by water. #sdwx pic.twitter.com/nqabCOoxwB
— SDPB News (@SDPBNews) June 21, 2024
Several city parks and sections of the recreation are trail due to flooding. The city's outdoor campus is also closed.
Gov. Kristi Noem posted on X that state officials are monitoring the water levels on rivers in the area.
Quick update on the rain and flooding across much of South Dakota… pic.twitter.com/P1I8867Jsd
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) June 21, 2024
A wide swath of the region has seen between one and four inches of rain, according to the NWS Sioux Falls office. On Thursday alone, Mitchell received 4.8 inches, Sioux Falls received 3.5 inches and Huron got 2.56 inches - all records for June 20. Canton saw the highest local total - 7.75 inches.
Forecasters say more rain is on the way. Heitkamp said said another round of storms - some of which may be severe - will develop Friday evening. He expects rainfall to dissipate by noon Saturday, followed by a stretch of drier weather.
Showers and storms which redevelop this afternoon and evening could be strong to severe. All modes of severe weather are possible, and heavy rainfall is expected. Greatest threat from 5 PM to midnight. Have multiple ways to receive warnings! pic.twitter.com/4eKNiXgps0
— NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) June 21, 2024
Web resources to stay weather-aware
National Weather Service's website
NWS Sioux Falls X (formerly Twitter) feed
South Dakota Department of Transportation road conditions map
