Residents in Rock Valley, a small town in northern Iowa, were forced to evacuate by helicopter due to rising floodwaters caused by torrential rain showers. The flooding not only inundated streets and homes but also impacted wells, making drinking water unusable for residents. The National Guard helicopters were used to evacuate residents, as floodwaters were too deep for trucks and tractors to effectively assist in the evacuation effort. Rock Valley officials also utilized boats and a dive team for rescues.
The situation in Rock Valley prompted Gov. Kim Reynolds to declare a state of emergency in Sioux County, where the town is located. Drone footage from the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office showed that some homes had their first floors completely flooded. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for northeast Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, the state’s second-largest city. In addition, a flood warning was in effect in the northwestern part of the state and along the Missouri River on the Nebraska border.
The flood watch in Iowa is set to remain in effect through Wednesday afternoon, with forecasters warning of incoming rain showers and thunderstorms that could bring up to two inches of rain. The storms could also bring strong winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of tornadoes. Meanwhile, other parts of the state were experiencing a major heat wave, with daily high temperature records being shattered in locations from Maine to Chicago. The heat wave is expected to persist in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, potentially breaking more records in the coming days.
In response to the evolving situation, Forbes is offering breaking news text alerts for readers to stay informed about the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. By texting “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or signing up on the Forbes website, readers can receive updates on important news events, such as natural disasters like the flooding in Iowa and extreme weather conditions across the country. Stay tuned for further coverage of the impact of the floods in Rock Valley and the ongoing heat wave affecting multiple regions.
