Flood in Osceola County, Iowa

Rainfall amounts across Osceola County from June 20-22 ranged from 7 to 9 inches. This rain resulted in widespread overland flooding across the county.

A shelter in Sibley was opened after approximately 25 homes were evacuated due to flood waters. There was at least one swift water rescue. No homes or businesses were destroyed, but there were many reports of water up to the first level with significant water damage in basements.

Numerous roads were damaged across the county. Two pump motors were destroyed at the Sibley Wastewater Treatment Plant. The May City water wells were contaminated. The Ashton water main from rural water was destroyed and a rural bridge near Ashton was also destroyed. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure across the county to be 2.15 million dollars.

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.