State Emergency Operations Center open- travel discouraged in NW Iowa due to flooding

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa DOT is discouraging travel in Northwest Iowa after heavy rains caused roads to be flooded. According to Iowa 511, travel is strongly discouraged in Lyon, Sioux, O’Brien, Clay, Emmet, and Dickenson County. Many roads flooded in the wee hours, closing these roads.

“The State Emergency Operations Center is open and responding to devastating flooding in NW Iowa,” said Governor Kim Reynolds on her Twitter X feed. “Teams are on the ground and more resources and equipment are being moved into the region. A state disaster emergency proclamation is in place with more counties being added.”

Photo of Emergency Operations Center from Governor Kim Reynolds Twitter X feed:

The Clay County Emergency Management said a flood shelter has been set up in Spencer.

“Residents on the south side of Spencer who need to evacuate their residences can shelter at Faith Pentacostal church. Residences on the north side can use the Spencer YMCA,” said the Facebook post.

Overnight the water flowed over Highway 71 closing the road between Arnolds Park and Okoboji. The water has gone down today and the road is open. Photo below by Arnolds Park Police Department:

Overnight the Sioux County Sheriff’s office announced there would be evacuations in the city due to rising flood waters of the Rock River. This morning the City of Rock Valley posted an update on Facebook.

City of Rock Valley: “Evacuating our citizens who are still needing assistance is our number one priority right now. Currently we have dive teams, swift boats and task force teams in the water and evacuation plans are in place.

Using pickups, tractors, trucks or loaders is no longer an option for evacuation because of the water current and height. Please know all boats and teams are doing all they can to get to each and every one of your loved ones.

If you or family members are still waiting to be evacuated please call (712) 737-3307 and give them your name and location.” City of Rock Valley

Video of the Flooding was shot on Friday by Carter Vanden Bos.

Rain overnight closed highways from Okoboji west toward Sioux Falls. In northern Iowa check Iowa 511 to find out which roads are closed due to flooding.

This is the closure map from 8 am Saturday.

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