US: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of the Upper Midwest as of June 24

Flood disruptions are ongoing across parts of the Upper Midwest and into West North Central regions as of June 24. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the region in recent days have led to rising river levels and resultant flooding in places, with areas of Iowa and South Dakota worst affected. Around 4,000 Rock Valley, Iowa residents were forced to evacuate June 22 due to flooding. Residents in the region do not have clean running water due to flood contamination. Widespread flooding has damaged nearly 2,000 properties across Iowa and affected thousands of people. Authorities have declared a state of disaster in 21 counties across the state. In South Dakota, authorities have reported at least one flood-related fatality as many rivers across central and eastern parts of the state have reached record levels. Officials have called for voluntary evacuations in riverine areas of Dakota Dunes. A state of emergency has been declared, with the peak of the flooding expected June 24-25. Flooding has also been reported in parts of Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

The National Weather Service (NWS) maintains flood warnings and watches across many rivers in the affected regions as of early June 24. Further adverse weather is forecast in the coming days, which could exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing recovery efforts. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) across parts of the region June 25-29. The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk of severe thunderstorms across much of the region June 24-26.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or landslides, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.