1 Dead in South Dakota amid 'Catastrophic' Midwest Flooding

"Even though the rain is slowing down, we need to keep vigilant," said South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem in a statement

• Various parts of the Midwest, including South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, have been impacted by flooding due because of heavy rain

• Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a state disaster proclamation for 22 counties

• Additional rounds of rainfall in the Northern Plains and the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley are expected to continue through the week, said the National Water Prediction Service

At least one person has died in South Dakota as parts of the Midwest experienced major flooding attributed to heavy rain in recent days.

At a news conference on Sunday, June 23, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem announced the fatality due to flooding, the Argus Leader reported. However, she did not further elaborate on the nature of what happened out of respect for the victim's family.

According to National Weather Service hydrologist Kevin Low, areas below Sioux Falls, South Dakota, endured rainfall measuring 10 to 15 inches over three days, per CBS News.

On Saturday, June 22, Noem signed an executive order declaring an emergency for the storms and associated flooding in South Dakota. “Even though the rain is slowing down, we need to keep vigilant. The worst of the flooding along our rivers will be Monday and Tuesday,” she said in a statement.

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Meanwhile, a railroad bridge that links North Sioux City, South Dakota, with Sioux City, Iowa, collapsed in the late evening of June 23 into the Big Sioux River, the Associated Press reported.

“We have been monitoring the region through our increased track inspections and had not been operating over the bridge at North Sioux City as a precaution, given conditions," Burlington Northern Santa Fe, which owns the railway, wrote in a statement obtained by NBC affiliate KTIV. "All trains are being rerouted via Creston, Iowa. We will continue to monitor and inspect conditions in the area and execute recovery operations as needed.”

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According to the National Weather Service, flood warnings have been in effect in parts of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois. Additional rain is forecasted to arrive and the rivers are not expected to crest until later in the week, per the AP.

In Iowa, the flooding has resulted in evacuations and damage to almost 2,000 properties, via NBC News. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a state disaster proclamation for 22 counties, the Des Moines Register reported. She said on June 23 that she called for an expedited presidential major disaster declaration.

“I can tell you the devastation is severe, and it is widespread," said Reynolds.

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Reynolds also said that 250 water rescues were conducted Saturday and over 1,000 people have been housed, the Times reported.

Over the last two days, about 7-10 inches of rain fell in southern Minnesota, said Brent Hewett, a National Weather Service meteorologist, Minnesota Public Radio reported. The heavy rainfall in the Minnesota town of Waterville caused two lakes and the nearby Cannon River to ascent to "uncontrollable levels," per CBS News.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard “to be available to provide support for emergency flood operations,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.

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“Across the state, intense rain has had catastrophic effects,” Walz said. “Flooding has left entire communities under feet of water, causing severe damage to property and numerous road closures. As flooding continues, the National Guard is ready to step up to help our neighbors Their response will provide invaluable support that will be critical in ensuring the safety of Minnesotans during this difficult time.”

In its advisories for the various Midwest states affected by the flooding, the National Weather Service cautioned drivers that "most flood deaths occur in vehicles," and that “motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.”

The National Water Prediction Service said on June 24 that additional rounds of rainfall in the Northern Plains and the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley are expected to continue through the week, “bringing the potential for flash, urban and small stream flooding,” per The Washington Post. 

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