Flood — Lyon, Iowa

2014-06-15 to 2014-06-21 · near Rock Rapids, Lyon, Iowa

Event narrative

Repeated heavy rains caused record flooding of the Rock River. Numerous homes, businesses, roads, farmland, and other low areas were flooded, forcing many people to evacuate their homes and rely on Red Cross and other volunteer assistance for several days. The flooding was especially severe in Rock Rapids, where the river crested at a record 13.98 feet above flood stage on June 17th.

Wider weather episode

Repeated heavy rains caused record flooding of the Rock River in northwest Iowa from June 15th through June 21st. Numerous roads were flooded, many damaged, and some secondary roads washed out. Farmland and other low areas were flooded, and numerous homes and businesses were flooded, especially in the towns of Rock Rapids and Rock Valley. Many residents were evacuated and relied on Red Cross and other volunteer help for several days.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (43.5024, -96.1800)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 523787. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.