Flood in Lincoln County, South Dakota

Rainfall amounts across Lincoln County from June 20-22 ranged from 6 to 14 inches with at least two locations reporting amounts in excess of 17 inches. Widespread overland flooding ensued with additional record flooding along the Big Sioux River.

County first responders were active 24/7 from June 20 to June 24 with 22 water rescues. No homes were destroyed, but hundreds succumbed to water, sewage, or both in their basements and one business in Canton suffered major flood damage. Interstate 29 was closed during peak flooding from June 21 to June 22 with water over the roadway. An estimated 12 million dollars in damage was done to roads, bridges, and culverts across the county.

One direct fatality occurred when a man driving a utility task vehicle (UTV) was ejected after attempting to turn around on a road with a washed out shoulder. The man fell down a steep embankment and drowned in flood waters along the road.

The majority of overland flooding subsided by June 25, but river flooding continued through the end of the month. For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Lincoln County.

A multi-day significant heavy rainfall event from June 20-22 resulted in widespread rain totals between 5 and 10 inches with pockets in excess of 15 inches across portions of southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota. As rainfall reached area streams and rivers, major to record flooding was observed, devastating several towns and communities. Extensive overland flooding also resulted in significant impacts and damages. All river crest information is preliminary until made official by the gauge owner.

A Presidential Disaster Declaration was signed for Aurora, Bon Homme, Brule, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hanson, Hutchinson, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Turner, Union, and Yankton Counties.