Flood — Plymouth, Iowa

2024-06-21 to 2024-06-30 · near James, Plymouth, Iowa

Event narrative

Rainfall amounts across Plymouth County from June 20-22 ranged from only a few hundredths across southern areas to around 2 inches across northern areas. Farther north and upstream, 6 to 10 inches of rain fell across portions of southeast South Dakota and northwest Iowa, with locally higher amounts near 12 inches. This rainfall resulted in major to record flooding along the Big Sioux and Floyd Rivers and extensive overland flooding along the adjoining flood plain.

During peak flooding, areas between the Big Sioux River and Iowa Highway 12 were evacuated. The Willow Creek Campground in Le Mars was also evacuated. There were at least two water rescues, including 14 individuals. County-wide, 47 individual households reported flood damage at an estimated cost of 275 thousand dollars.

Numerous county roads were impacted by flood waters and closed; the most significant being Iowa Highway 12 and the bridge outside of Akron that crosses the Big Sioux River into South Dakota. The communities of Westfield and Le Mars experienced the greatest impacts with damages to their wastewater treatment plants. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 1.3 million dollars.

For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Plymouth 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 → (42.5677, -96.4667)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1195684. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.