National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Fire Weather Concerns for the Plains; Record Warmth Spreads

Dry and breezy conditions prevail across the High Plains where elevated to locally critical conditions continue through Thursday. Meanwhile, record warmth increases and spreads across the South, Southwest and into southern California into this last weekend of February. Meanwhile, a fast moving system moves across the Plains then off the mid-Atlantic by Thursday evening. Read More >

(As of March 19th, 2010): Elevated river levels are expected to persist throughout much of eastern and northeastern South Dakota and west-central Minnesota.  The James and Elm Rivers continue to experience moderate to major flooding, with the Big Sioux and Little Minnesota Rivers seeing minor to moderate flood levels.  Several tributaries of the main stem rivers remain above flood stage as well -- with additional rises in river levels expected.  Rapid ice jam flooding will continue to be a significant threat through at least the upcoming weekend as well.     

In addition to the river flooding, widespread areal or overland flooding is also ongoing.  Sloughs, ponds, lakes, and other low lying areas will continue to experience water rises with flooding of secondary and county roads imminent. 

Please monitor the following links for the latest information on river levels and expected crests:

 


 

James and Elm Rivers: 

   

Elm River - 12 Miles West of Frederick (3/15/10)

 

 


 

  

Elm River - 1 Mile North of Westport (3/17/10)

 

James River - North of Columbia (3/17/10)

 

James River - Tacoma Park (3/17/10)

 

James River - at Ashton (Top) and at Redfield (Bottom) - (3/18/10)

 


 

 Whetstone River - US Highway 12 near Big Stone City

 

 

Ice Jam at Snake Creek - 3 Miles North of Redfield (3/18/10)

 

 

 

Turtle Creek at Redfield (3/18/10)