Flood in McCook County, South Dakota

Rainfall amounts across McCook County from June 20-22 ranged from 5 to 8 inches. Widespread overland flooding ensued with additional flooding along the East Fork Vermillion River, West Fork Vermillion River, and Wolf Creek.

Flood waters damaged 10 to 15 homes in Montrose, 8 to 10 homes in Salem, and 3 to 4 homes in Spencer. Numerous others reported water in their basements. Sewage backup also occurred in Montrose, Salem, and Spencer. Residential flood damages are estimated to be nearly 547 thousand dollars.

At the peak of flooding, U.S. Highway 81 was closed in more than four locations and South Dakota Highway 38 was closed at Montrose. Many other roads and culverts across the county were damaged or washed out. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure across the county to be nearly 1.17 million dollars.

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 McCook 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.