Flood — Clay, South Dakota

2024-06-21 to 2024-06-30 · near Burbank, Clay, South Dakota

Event narrative

Rainfall amounts across Clay County from June 20-22 ranged from around a third of an inch across southern areas to 1 to 2 inches across northern areas. Farther north and upstream, 6 to 10 inches of rain fell across portions of southeast South Dakota, with locally higher amounts in excess of 12 inches. This rainfall resulted in record flooding along the Vermillion River and extensive overland flooding along the adjoining flood plain.

Two primary residences were impacted by flood waters across the northern portion of the county with each reporting more than three feet of water in their basements. One owner along the Vermillion River lost 100 percent of their land while countless other acres of farmland were lost in the vicinity of the river. One farmstead alone lost 60 plus acres.

Many county and township roads across the northern portion of the county experienced flood damage ranging from gravel wash to major impacts. A couple concrete box culverts and bridges were destroyed by backup from the Vermillion River. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 500 thousand dollars.

Within the city of Vermillion, voluntary evacuations were activated near Saginaw and Missouri Streets. Cotton Park experienced extensive flood impacts, including major damage to about one mile of trail and a destroyed frisbee golf course, estimated to cost 1.5 million dollars. The Vermillion wastewater treatment plant also experienced significant damage, forcing the release of untreated water into the Vermillion River. Damage to the plant is estimated at 4.5 million dollars.

For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Clay County.

Wider weather episode

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.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (42.7236, -96.8176)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1193359. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.