Severe flooding in the Midwestern United States has caused significant damage and disruption, including the collapse of a railroad bridge connecting North Sioux City, South Dakota, with Sioux City, Iowa. The flooding, which occurred during an extensive heat wave, has led to water rescues, evacuations, and at least one death.
The bridge, owned by BNSF Railway, collapsed into the Big Sioux River late Sunday. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem described it as the main rail link between her state and Iowa. The railway had stopped operating the bridge as a precaution, and no injuries were reported from the collapse.
The flooding has affected areas where South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska meet around Sioux City, as well as along the Iowa-Minnesota border. Heavy rainfall over several days has caused rivers to rise, with many streams not expected to crest until later in the week.
In Spencer, Iowa, residents like Aiden Engelkes were forced to evacuate their homes. Engelkes spent over seven hours waiting to be rescued by boat from a friend’s apartment. In Rock Valley, Iowa, business owner Deb Kempema lost her home goods store after a river levee broke.
The Big Sioux River reached a record high of around 45 feet, over 7 feet higher than the previous record. This has led to evacuations in low-lying areas of Sioux City, with more expected as water levels continue to rise.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds reported widespread impacts, including shuttered businesses, affected main streets, and evacuated hospitals and care facilities. Some cities are without power or drinkable water. National Guard troops have been assisting with water rescues and delivering essential medications.
Meanwhile, a persistent heat wave continues to affect other parts of the country, particularly the Southeast, portions of the South, and the Plains. Major cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia experienced record-breaking temperatures over the weekend.
The combination of flooding and extreme heat highlights the increasing frequency and severity of weather-related events in the United States. Last year, the country experienced the most heat waves since 1936, with excessive heat contributing to over 2,300 deaths – the highest in 45 years of records.
As communities in the Midwest grapple with flood damage and ongoing evacuations, officials continue to caution residents about the dangers of excessive heat and humidity in affected areas.