Flood — Dickinson, Iowa

2024-06-21 to 2024-06-25 · near West Okoboji, Dickinson, Iowa

Event narrative

Rainfall amounts across Dickinson County from June 20-22 ranged from 5 to 10 inches. Widespread overland flooding ensued with additional major to record flooding along the West Fork Little Sioux and Little Sioux Rivers. Lakeshore flooding was also observed across the Iowa Great Lakes.

There were over 550 locations across the county where water crossed the road or there was severe gravel wash. Three bridges were also damaged and closed. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 1.9 million dollars.

County-wide, hundreds of homes reported flood damage with water or sewage in their basements. There were approximately 25 lakeshore homes with water onto the first floor, which required the temporary relocation of some residents. There were also flood damages to area businesses. Dozens of bank collapses were reported along East Okoboji, West Okoboji, Big Spirit, and Silver Lakes with nearly 3,000 ft of shoreline lost. West Okoboji Lake crested about six inches below the record set in 1993.

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 Dickinson 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 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.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (43.2566, -95.3864)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1195634. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.