New Flood Warning Issued  for Grant and Neighboring Counties

A Flood Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Grant  and neighboring counties after the area received three inches of rain – some  reported up to 5.5 inches –  between  6 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, June 25. The Flood Warning will remain in effect until Thursday June 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Towns expected to experience flooding include Milbank, Ortonville, Webster, Waubay, Wilmot, Big Stone City, Clinton, Florence, Summit, Rauville, South Shore, Waverly, Conde, Odessa, Revillo, Corona, Stockholm, Wallace, Artichoke, and Strandburg.

Counties affected include Clark, Codington, Day, Grant, Roberts and Spink in northeast South Dakota and Big Stone County in west central Minnesota. 

Turn around! Don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. According to the NWS, most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The NWS warns: Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. Expect many areas of slow moving or standing water.

Kevin Schuelke, head of Grant County Emergency Management, cautions all drivers “Never drive through water – especially rushing water – as there is no way to tell if the roadway underneath is washed out. Turn around! Don’t drown!”  Schuelke also noted “In the evening hours and overnight, rivers and tributaries may rise as water makes its way east from our west “hills”. Be alert! Be safe! Schuelke also recommends reminding employees and young drivers of flood-related dangers.

Drivers are asked to report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement when it can be done safely.