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Thunderstorms and Heavy Rains Across Portions of the Central and Eastern US; Heat Expands to Portions of the East

Widespread showers and thunderstorms, some severe, may produce heavy downpours and flash flooding across much of the eastern and central U.S. Dangerous heat will continue in the Pacific Northwest and expand across portions of the East. Deep tropical moisture and associated thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding across portions of Florida into the central Gulf Coast. Read More >

Overview

Thunderstorms developed along and north of a warm front on June 12. These storms repeatedly moved over the same areas for several hours through the evening of June 12 into the morning of June 13. The "training" nature of the storms resulted in significant rainfall accumulations across northeast South Dakota and west central Minnesota. Some areas received over 6 to 7 inches of rain, leading to subsequent flooding.

Marshall and Roberts Counties in South Dakota, along with Big Stone County in Minnesota, experienced the most significant impacts. Many secondary highways were closed due to water over the road. Buildings and vehicles took on water on the southeast side of Sisseton, particularly near the Lakes Gas business. Water also rose rapidly on rivers and lakes. Gauging stations on the North Fork Whetstone River near Milbank, the Minnesota River at Ortonville, and the Little Minnesota River near Peever all rose into minor flood stage. Big Stone Lake levels also increased quickly, submerging many docks.

Additional thunderstorms would occur June 15-16, adding to the already saturated grounds and flood situation. Some storms would produce quarter size hail and 60-73 mph wind gusts. 

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24 Hour Precipitation Estimates Ending at 7 AM June 13

Radar

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KABR Radar Imagery ~2:00 AM to 4:00 AM Central KABR Radar Imagery ~4:00 AM to 6:00 AM Central

Photos & Video

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Photo Photo Photo Photo
Sisseton, SD Flooding
Image Courtesy of Roberts County Emergency Management 
Sisseton, SD Flooding
Image Courtesy of Roberts County Emergency Management 
Sisseton, SD Flooding
Image Courtesy of Roberts County Emergency Management 
Sisseton, SD Flooding
Image Courtesy of Roberts County Emergency Management 

 

Photo Photo Photo Photo
Big Stone County Roads Under Water
Image Courtesy of Big Stone County Sheriff
The North Fork Whetstone River near Milbank rose to minor flood stage.  The Minnesota River at Ortonville rose to minor flood stage.  The Little Minnesota River near Peever rose to minor flood stage. 
USGS timelapse of Little Minnesota River at Peever after rainfall on June 12th into the 13th.

Storm Reports

Storm Reports from June 12th through the 16th
Location Rainfall Totals from the 12th to 16th Greatest 24hr Rainfall Total and Date
Wilmot 6.72 inches 5.60 in/ 13th
Big Stone City 5 WNW 6.28 inches 4.97 in/ 13th
Sisseton COOP 5.85 inches 3.12 in/ 13th
Lake City 4 SW 5.62 inches 5.25 in/ 13th
Sisseton 10 ENE 5.53 inches 4.18 in/13th
Sisseton 4W 5.46 inches 4.63 in/ 13th
Milbank 4.93 inches 2.92 in/ 13th
Milbank 2 WSW 4.92 inches 2.90 in/ 13th
Milbank 4 SSW 4.89 inches 2.64 in/ 13th
Sisseton Airport 4.63 inches 2.19 in/ 13th
Appleton, MN, 4W 4.55 inches 3.58 in/ 13th
Britton 4.53 inches 4.35 in/ 13th
Artichoke Lake 4.46 inches 2.62 in/ 13th
Sand Lake 3.85 inches 3.70 in/ 13th
Victor 4N 3.17 inches 2.25 in/ 13th
Columbia 3.01 inches 2.78 in/ 13th
Summit 2.53 inches 1.48 in/ 13th
Aberdeen Airport 2.05 inches 1.84 in/ 12th

 

Location of Greatest 24 hour Rainfall Total
Location Greatest 24hr Total and Date
Claremont 7.06 in/ 13th

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