Flood — O'brien, Iowa

2024-06-21 to 2024-06-25 · near Germantown, O'brien, Iowa

Event narrative

Rainfall amounts across O'Brien County from June 20-22 ranged from 5 to 9 inches, with the highest amounts across the northern half of the county. Widespread overland flooding ensued with additional minor to major flooding along the Floyd and Little Floyd Rivers, and Waterman Creek.

County-wide, there were five water rescues during peak flooding, involving 18 individuals. An estimated 700 to 1,000 homes were impacted by flood waters with a majority of the residential property damage reported in Hartley and Sheldon. Some homes became islands and required residents to shelter in place until the water receded, while at least two homes needed to be evacuated. An apartment complex in Hartley was also impacted by flood waters.

Numerous county roads were damaged by flood waters with extensive washouts in four different locations. In addition, 12 bridges and 6 culverts were damaged. A water main was damaged west of Sheldon along with lift stations within city limits. Osceola Rural Water was impacted due to a water breach at the well building. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 2.25 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 O'Brien 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 → (42.9117, -95.8571)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1195677. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.