Flood — Cottonwood, Minnesota

2024-06-21 to 2024-06-30 · near Westbrook, Cottonwood, Minnesota

Event narrative

Rainfall amounts across Cottonwood County from June 20-22 ranged from 6 to 9 inches. Overland flooding ensued with additional major to record flooding along the West Fork Des Moines River.

County-wide, there were significant impacts to personal property with an estimated 1,000 plus homes affected by flood waters. Five homes were declared destroyed and approximately 50 that received major damage. Fifty-two individuals were displaced at peak flooding. A voluntary evacuation order was issued for parts of Windom due to rising waters along the West Fork Des Moines River. Flood waters spared most businesses, but 7 in-home daycares had to close for some amount of time. Damage to private homes and businesses is estimated to be 18 million dollars.

There was also significant damage to public infrastructure. Numerous county and township roads succumbed to gravel wash. Two bridge abutments required emergency repair. In Windom, State Highway 62 was closed for roughly a week and State Highway 60/U.S. Highway 71 was closed for 3 days. Flood waters also damaged numerous parks and inundated the Windom swimming pool. Preliminary damage assessments estimate loss to public infrastructure to be 2.7 million dollars.

For additional information on river flooding, please see other flood entries for Cottonwood 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 → (43.8496, -95.4611)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1196679. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.