Flood — Aurora, South Dakota

2024-06-20 to 2024-06-21 · near Aurora Center, Aurora, South Dakota

Event narrative

Rainfall amounts across Aurora County from June 20-22 ranged from 3 to 9 inches. Widespread overland flooding ensued.

Numerous county and township roads were impacted by flood waters and closed. Interstate 90 was closed near the Aurora/Davison County line and South Dakota Highway 16 was closed in multiple areas parallel to the interstate. Preliminary damage assessments estimate there to be 1.93 million dollars in damage to public infrastructure.

Multiple structures were impacted by backed up water or sewage. Four residences reported damage in White Lake, estimated at a cost of 31 thousand dollars. Eighteen residences and 4 businesses in Plankinton reported damage, estimated at a cost of 582 thousand dollars.

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 → (43.5085, -98.7884)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1193471. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.