ABERDEEN, S.D. — Minor flooding continues along the James River near Stratford, where rising water is impacting farmland across Spink and Brown counties. The National Weather Service in Aberdeen issued a Flood Warning Thursday afternoon, with conditions expected to persist until further notice.
According to the National Weather Service, river gauges near Stratford measured 14.9 feet by late Thursday morning — nearly a foot above flood stage. At that level, significant portions of nearby agricultural land are experiencing flooding. The river is expected to crest around 14.9 feet Thursday afternoon, though any additional rainfall through the weekend could alter conditions.
Officials are urging residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to use caution near riverbanks. “Turn around, don’t drown,” the NWS reminded, noting that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
The warning remains in effect for the James River basin, with the next statement expected by Monday evening.
