There’s flooding across much of northwest Iowa after 4 to 5 inches of rain fell in the area Monday. Perhaps the hardest hit town is Rock Valley in Sioux County. Doug Broek, news director for KSOU radio in nearby Sioux Center, says the town’s mayor has declared a State of Emergency and some areas were evacuated. “Some Rock Valley streets and businesses have been flooded and some residents have water or sewer backup in their homes,” Broek says.
The city has put out a call for volunteers to help with sandbagging efforts along the still-rising Rock River. Broek says the river rose to 21.8 feet this morning. Flood stage is 16 feet and the river is expected to crest at 23 feet by Wednesday afternoon. The National Weather Service is reporting in Lyon County, the Rock River at Rock Rapids is going to rise to over 31 feet, which would be 3 feet higher than the flood of 1993.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s office has banned travel on all gravel roads, blacktops and state highways in the county due to severe flood damage to roads and bridges. Flooding has also restricted traffic in Sioux County.
By Doug Broek, KSOU, Sioux Center