Storms flooding Upper Midwest could lead to record river flooding
Extremely saturated ground after multiple rounds of heavy rain will lead to significant river flooding across the Midwest over the next few days.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Multiple rounds of torrential rain and thunderstorms in the Upper Midwest have created both a significant risk of flash flooding on Saturday and potentially record river flooding early next week, with a swollen river already breaking a levee in Iowa and forcing urgent evacuations.
As an area of low pressure slowly drifts across the Upper Midwest Saturday, widespread precipitation totals of 2 to 4 inches are likely through Saturday afternoon, with some storms exceeding 5 inches.
Precipitation rates during the strongest storms are expected to exceed 1 inch per hour, and if storm activity is allowed to spread over the same areas, potentially life-threatening flash floods and rapidly rising river floods could occur.
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center placed much of southern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison, at a Level 2 of 4 flash flood risk Saturday.
But all this rain is falling on an area already extremely saturated after several waves of heavy rain fell on the region, also raising fears of significant flooding of rivers.
Radar estimates indicate that 8 to 12 inches of rain have already fallen in South Dakota and Minnesota over the past few days. The soil has no chance to dry out, leading to rapid runoff of water into river basins and rapid rise in water levels.
7 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS
Forecast models indicate dozens of rivers will reach moderate or major flood stage in southeastern South Dakota, northern Iowa and southern Minnesota.
Midwest River Stages Forecast
Several river gauges could record their highest peaks ever over the next few days, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Iowa’s river basins could see the worst because they are downstream from the heaviest rain, with the Big Sioux, Little Sioux, Oceyedan and Des Moines rivers among those expected to exceed their record flood stage.
The West Fork Des Moines River Basin is of greatest concern, according to the National Weather Service. In some places, the river’s expected floods will approach record levels and exceed levels observed in 1993.
Levee failure leads to flash flood emergency in northern Iowa
Already swollen rivers and heavy rain caused a levee along the Rock River in Rock Valley, Iowa, to fail early Saturday morning, prompting urgent evacuations and a flash flood emergency.
FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
“We are triggering sirens in (Rock Valley),” the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media. “This means evacuating your home if possible.”
Rock Valley city officials posted updated maps on their city’s social media channels showing growing areas of evacuation orders as waters rise. The sheriff’s office reported at least two bridges and a road were washed away.
“We have boats and emergency personnel coming from neighboring towns,” city officials said on social media. “Please continue to stay home if you are not in emergency evacuation zones. Plans are being made for additional evacuations. We will continue to highlight areas of the city on the map with anticipated evacuations.”
HOW FLOODWATER CAN MAKE YOU VERY SICK
A shelter was set up at a local church, but more help was needed.
“Rock Valley area farmers, if it is safe to travel to Rock Valley, please come with tractors and loaders to assist with evacuations,” city officials asked.
The governor of Iowa. Kim Richards issued a disaster emergency proclamation for Sioux County, directing state resources to help Rock Valley and other flooded Iowa communities.
Emergency services also had a lot of work to do in O’Brien County, Iowa, due to widespread flooding and multiple rescues.
“O’Brien County first responders performed several water rescues of people trapped in their vehicles after being swept away,” county officials said on social media. “The flooding has created significant challenges for first responders trying to get to these locations. County roads and the Iowa DOT are doing their best to erect barricades, but the widespread flooding has put a strain on their resources.”
Bad weather poses an additional danger this weekend
Not only will residents of the Upper Midwest be watching for dangerous flooding, but severe storms will also move across the Midwest over the weekend.
Several major cities, including Chicago, Milwaukee and Des Moines, Iowa, could experience severe storms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail.
The NOAA Storm Prediction Center places all of these cities at a Level 2 out of 5 risk of severe weather Saturday.
“I think it really starts to intensify between lunch and dinner (Saturday),” said FOX meteorologist Michael Estime. “So if you have plans for a late lunch or early dinner there, you can see (the storms) extending from Green Bay to Milwaukee and then back to Des Moines. Another round of heavy downpours (with) Strong to severe storms erupt (and) move through Chicago late this evening after sunset before heading toward Peoria, Illinois.
The severe weather threat moves from the Midwest to the Northeast on Sunday.