Flood — Jackson, Minnesota

2024-06-21 to 2024-06-30 · near Spafford, Jackson, Minnesota

Event narrative

Rainfall amounts across Jackson County from June 20-22 ranged from 4 to 6 inches. Farther north and upstream, 6 to 9 inches of rain fell across portions of southwest Minnesota. This rainfall resulted in widespread overland flooding and major flooding along the West Fork Des Moines River.

At peak flooding, the city of Heron Lake became surrounded by flood water, resulting in an evacuation notice for 16 homes. Flood water impacted approximately 120 homes in Heron Lake, one of which was declared destroyed. Municipal crews worked 24/7 to keep water from shutting down the sewer system.

In the city of Jackson, a temporary levee was breached on June 22, allowing flood water from the West Fork Des Moines River to inundate the community. Approximately 12 homes were evacuated with many others taking on water or sewage in their basements. One home was declared destroyed and numerous businesses were flooded and unable to operate. All three bridges in Jackson were closed, including the U.S. Highway 71 bridge on the northside of town.

County-wide, 114 individuals applied for assistance, estimated at a value of nearly 355 thousand dollars.

Numerous other township and county roads were closed and damaged by flood waters. Portions of Minnesota Highway 60 in the northwest corner of the county were still closed by months end.

For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Jackson 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 southwest Minnesota. As rainfall reached area streams and rivers, major to record flooding was observed, devastating multiple 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 Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, and Rock Counties.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (43.5028, -95.4481)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1196641. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.