Floods forced people out of their homes in parts of Iowa due to weeks of heavy rain, while much of the United States sought relief from another bout of extreme heat on Saturday.
In Rock Valley, Iowa, population 4,200, sirens sounded at 2 a.m. as the Rock River overflowed, prompting residents in hundreds of homes to evacuate. Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo mentioned that the city faced water shortages because wells were rendered unusable after receiving 4 inches of rain in just an hour and a half.
Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster in 21 counties in northern Iowa, including Sioux County, which encompasses Rock Valley. Drone footage from the local sheriff showed submerged streets with only rooftops and treetops visible above the water.
In South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem declared an emergency following heavy rainfall in the southeastern part of the state.
Husets Speedway is underwater after the rains (Via Ferb Baker/Shutterstock)
Canton, located 30 miles southeast of Sioux Falls, received 18 inches of rain, leading to closures on several highways, including a significant section of Interstate 29 which later reopened. Sioux Falls itself saw over 7 inches of rain in three days.
Despite a slowdown in rainfall, Noem emphasized the need for continued vigilance, especially with the peak of river flooding expected early in the week.
Meanwhile, across the U.S., oppressive heat and humidity persisted. The National Weather Service issued heat warnings for approximately 15 million people, the highest alert level, with an additional 90 million under heat advisories. Prolonged periods of unusually high temperatures have disrupted lives for millions nationwide.
Experts noted that last year saw the most heat waves in the U.S. since 1936. An analysis by the AP, using CDC data, revealed that excessive heat contributed to over 2,300 deaths, marking the highest number in 45 years of recorded data.
