Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Soaked ground and an incoming band of torrential storms have prompted a Flood Watch for much of northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and southeast South Dakota beginning 10 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday morning. Urban streets, small creeks, and low-lying roads are at risk for rapid flooding as saturated soils struggle to absorb any more rain.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, intense downpours of up to 2-4 inches per hour are possible, particularly in narrow storm bands that may develop overnight. The watch covers cities including Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Storm Lake, Le Mars, Spirit Lake, South Sioux City, and dozens of surrounding communities. Recent rainfall has already left the region’s soil waterlogged, heightening the risk for rapid runoff and localized flooding.
Residents in Osceola, Dickinson, Sioux, O’Brien, Clay, Plymouth, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Woodbury, Ida, Dakota, and Union counties should prepare for street and small stream flooding. Drivers are urged to avoid water-covered roads and low-lying crossings, especially after dark. Power outages and hazardous travel are possible if water rises quickly. Officials recommend charging devices and monitoring NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updated warnings.
This is the region’s most significant flood risk since early summer, and further advisories are possible if storms persist into Wednesday. Flood Watch remains in effect through 10 a.m., with additional updates as conditions change.
