Millions of Americans endured yet another blistering day as temperatures soared across the United States on Sunday, accompanied by widespread flooding that necessitated evacuations throughout the Midwest. This included a situation in Iowa where floodwaters submerged a flood gauge. Tragically, one person lost their life due to flooding in South Dakota, according to the governor's office.
From the mid-Atlantic to Maine, across the Great Lakes region, and stretching to California and the West, public officials issued warnings about the hazards posed by extreme heat and humidity. In Oklahoma, the heat index, which reflects how hot it feels to the human body, was projected to reach as high as 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
In the Midwest, where South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota converge, floodwaters continued to rise throughout the weekend. Eric Tigges of Clay County emergency management reported that 13 rivers in northwest Iowa overflowed, prompting the evacuation of entire neighbourhoods and at least one entire town. Spencer, Iowa, imposed a curfew for the second consecutive night on Sunday after flooding exceeded records set back in 1953.
"When the flood gauge is submerged, it indicates extremely high water levels," Tigges explained during a press briefing alongside Spencer officials.
Governor Kim Reynolds declared a state of disaster for 21 counties in northern Iowa, including Sioux County. A drone video posted by the local sheriff depicted an inundated landscape devoid of visible streets, with only rooftops and treetops visible.
Reynolds disclosed on Sunday that more than 1,000 displaced residents sought refuge in shelters on Saturday night alone. National Guard troops assisted with water rescues and the transport of essential medications lost in the flooding.
"Businesses are closed. Main streets have been affected," Reynolds remarked. "Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities have been evacuated. Cities are without power, and some lack potable water."
National Weather Service meteorologist Donna Dubberke noted that parts of northern Nebraska, southeastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota, and northwest Iowa received rainfall amounts eight times higher than usual averages. Moreover, additional heavy rainfall was anticipated throughout the upcoming week.
In South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem declared a state of emergency following severe flooding in the southeastern part of the state, which led to the closure of several highways.
Areas south of Sioux Falls, South Dakota's largest city, reported receiving between 10 to 15 inches of rain over a span of three days, according to National Weather Service hydrologist Kevin Low.
Governor Noem confirmed on Sunday that at least one fatality occurred due to the floods, although specifics were not provided.
The governor also cautioned that several rivers, including the Big Sioux, James, and Vermillion, were expected to crest sometime between Monday (June 26) and Wednesday night (June 28).
"I want to remind everyone to respect the power and flow of water, and to avoid flooded areas," Noem urged. "We have some challenging days ahead, but we will get through them."
Emergency management officials in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, a small community near the Nebraska and Iowa borders situated between the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers, issued a voluntary evacuation order for its approximately 4,000 residents on Sunday. They warned that a mandatory evacuation could be imposed swiftly if flood defenses were breached.
Looking ahead, while little precipitation was forecasted in the coming days, river levels along the Missouri River were anticipated to rise, reaching crests at Sioux City, Iowa, overnight Sunday, at Omaha, Nebraska, by Wednesday, and at Nebraska City on Thursday, according to Low.
Officials with the US Army Corps of Engineers anticipated minor to moderate flooding along the Missouri River, contingent on the integrity of existing levees.
"The key concern now is for people outdoors to stay hydrated, especially given the combination of heat, humidity, and minimal winds," emphasized Bruce Thoren, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oklahoma. "Even those in good physical condition and not acclimated to such conditions are vulnerable; it can happen rapidly."
Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia all experienced record-setting heat on Saturday, with similarly scorching conditions expected to persist on Sunday.
Lamont Cousins, owner of the Ampersea restaurant in Baltimore's waterfront area, noted a significant downturn in business over the weekend. The restaurant's usual bustling outdoor dining area, typically filled this time of year, remained largely deserted until dinner hours on Saturday.
"I think it has impacted us because people are staying home, concerned," Cousins observed.
He recounted that on Saturday, when he went to set up umbrellas for outdoor tables, temperatures were already surpassing 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, Cousins remained optimistic about business prospects on Sunday.
"Yesterday, hardly anyone was out and about. Today, it's hotter, but there's a breeze," Cousins noted. "Yesterday felt like a punishment."
Experts noted that last year saw the most heat waves in the United States since 1936. An analysis by the Associated Press based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that excessive heat contributed to over 2,300 deaths, marking the highest toll in 45 years of recorded data.
The National Weather Service alerted about the potential for rare tornadoes in the Northeast later on Sunday. Tornadoes had struck Wisconsin on Saturday, resulting in the destruction of the historic Apple Grove Lutheran Church, founded in 1893 in Argyle.
"We're grateful that everyone is safe," commented Dan Bohlman, pastor of Apple Grove Lutheran Church, on the church's website.
Marvin Boyd, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Burlington, Vermont, cautioned that a severe thunderstorm warning had been issued for parts of northern New York, with a storm carrying wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and the threat of tornadoes moving toward Vermont near Lake Champlain. This was part of a series of storms anticipated to pass through the region on Sunday afternoon.
"The conditions aligning for tornadoes in Vermont and northern New York are unusual," Boyd remarked.
