Flood in Lyon County, Iowa

Rainfall amounts across Lyon County from June 20-22 ranged from 7 to 12 inches. Widespread overland flooding ensued with additional major to record flooding along the Big Sioux, Rock, and Little Rock Rivers, and Mud Creek.

At the peak of flooding, approximately 50 people were evacuated from Rock Rapids, Doon, and Alvord. In Rock Rapids, there were 12 swift water rescues when flood waters overwhelmed the city. County-wide 605 homes were impacted by flood waters, 15 of which were declared a total loss. In addition, six businesses were declared a total loss. Reported damage to individual property is estimated to cost 2.7 million dollars.

County infrastructure was also severely impacted. Nearly all gravel roads had some type of washout and 12 county bridges were impacted by flood waters. Preliminary damage assessments estimate damage to public infrastructure to be 10.5 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 Lyon County.

A multi-day significant heavy rainfall event from June 20-22 resulted in widespread rain totals between 5 and 10 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 Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Lyon, Plymouth, O'Brien, Osceola, Sioux, and Woodbury Counties.